It is unfortunate that many patients miss out on the perfect smile because they have been misled about cosmetic dentistry. Myths about cosmetic dentistry, from cost to conceit, can keep people from having the confidence a healthy smile offers. Here we debunk some of the most common myths about cosmetic dentistry so you can finally get the smile you’ve always wanted.
1. Cosmetic Dentistry Looks Fake
This is an old myth that was once true many decades ago. The pure white dental “caps” (as crowns were commonly known back when) did have a very unnatural, ultra-white appearance. It was a tell-tale sign because that pearly white brilliance was far from natural.
Today, modern advancements have made great improvements to the different cosmetic dental procedures available, allowing you to have natural-looking treatments that really do improve your smile. Changes are noticeable only from the viewpoint that your smile will look so much better. You’ll have a natural smile that won’t stand out with artificially white, or overly large cosmetic improvements.
2. No One Gets Cosmetic Treatments Anymore
People today have cosmetic dentistry done all the time. However, you just don’t know it because it looks so natural. As mentioned above, the new advancements in cosmetic dentistry make smiles look perfect, but not fake, so chances are you probably know at least one person who has undergone some form of treatment and you can’t even tell!
3. Cosmetic Dentistry Is Bad For Your Teeth
Cosmetic treatments are designed to improve the appearance of your teeth while at the same time helping to maintain their integrity. You can discuss with your dentist the level of treatment you are willing to undergo to get the smile you desire. Dentists will never damage your teeth for cosmetic purposes. In most cases, the recommended cosmetic treatments will help improve dental health and strength besides providing aesthetic benefits.
4. Cosmetic Dentistry Is Superficial
What many people don’t realize is the impact an imperfect smile can have on someone’s self-esteem and state of mind. Cosmetic dentistry might be designed for aesthetic purposes, but the benefits are far from simply superficial. Through improved appearance, cosmetic dentistry patients can achieve a higher sense of well-being by gaining confidence in their smile and in turn, becoming more social. This has a very positive impact on their overall health by creating a more positive state of mind.
5. Cosmetic Dentistry Serves No True Purpose
Again, this is not true. Often the recommended treatments help strengthen and protect damaged teeth. For example, dental veneers and bonding improve smiles, but also repair damage that can be making a smile less than perfect. In fact, while having a tooth replacement might seem unnecessary, missing teeth can lead to all kinds of issues including gaps or crowding as remaining teeth fall into the open space. Missing teeth also lead to bone loss which in turn can lead to further, more serious dental issues. So it’s important to keep in mind that damaged teeth, missing teeth, crowded teeth, or gaps – once repaired – can all contribute to improved oral health.
6. I’ll Lose My Unique Smile Features
Just because you address issues with your smile that you don’t like, doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice unique features of your smile that you love. For example, many people might have a gap or slight overbite they find endearing and that adds to the individual look of their smile. Cosmetic dentistry is customized to suit your needs, so you have complete control over what stays and what goes.
7. Whitening Didn’t Work So I Have To Live With Stained Teeth
While discolouration and staining might not see success through whitening in severe cases, that doesn’t mean you are stuck with the stains. There are many different cosmetic treatments available that get rid of discolouration, including bonding and veneers. These affordable options allow you to take advantage of treatments that apply resins or veneers to cover up discolouration and match the natural, whiter colour of your other teeth. The result is a natural, consistently white smile.
8. At-Home Whitening Is Painful So I’m Stuck With Yellow Teeth
If you used at-home whitening treatments with less than impressive results, you should speak to your dentist about professional treatments. In-office treatments are very different from what you buy at the drug store. They have higher concentrations of active ingredients that remove stains and are also applied properly by your dentist. This results in less discomfort from sensitivity and a more pronounced colour change, leading to a whiter smile. In fact, professional whitening can achieve as many as eight shades lighter in just one appointment.
9. My Gap Can Only Be Fixed With Braces
Many people choose to live with big gaps in their teeth because they hate the idea of braces. However, new treatments such as Invisalign® clear aligners can help ease your teeth into the ideal position for a gap-free smile. If you prefer, there are also other treatments that can address smaller gaps including veneers and bonding. Ask your dentist about gaps to see what they recommend for your teeth.
10. Cosmetic Dentistry Hurts
Some people are under the impression that cosmetic treatments hurt. However, as with any other dental treatment, depending on what treatment is performed, your dentist will ensure you remain completely comfortable at your appointment. Using anesthesia avoids discomfort and most treatments require little to no “recovery” time. You leave the office pain-free with a brand new smile. In some cases, you might have some mild discomfort but will probably find it’s a small price to pay once you see your new smile.
11. I Can’t Afford Cosmetic Dental Treatments
This might have been true a few decades ago, but with the introduction of so many options, there is always a treatment to suit your budget. Speak to your dentist about your smile concerns and they can recommend several possible solutions. Together you can decide which one makes the most sense, and that is also the most affordable. You can also arrange financial plans that suit your needs. There is always a solution to help you achieve the smile of your dreams.
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