If you’ve ever thought that you’d like a prettier smile, you’re not alone. Almost everyone has some pesky defect in their teeth that they’d love to do away with, and cosmetic dental treatments have allowed millions to achieve more beautiful smiles and greater self-confidence. Unfortunately, there are many common misconceptions about cosmetic dentistry buzzing around. Here are a few popular falsehoods about this dental field as well as the truth about how your dentist can enhance your appearance.
Falsehood the First: It Doesn’t Matter What Kind of Teeth Whitening You Get
If you walk down the aisles of your local supermarket or pharmacy, you will probably find a few over-the-counter teeth whitening kits that claim to deliver amazingly white smiles. However, store-bought dental bleaching kits often produce lackluster or uneven results, and they can even lead to injuries due to poor manufacturing or user error.
Professional teeth whitening treatments from your dentist are administered by a trained professional using high-quality materials to ensure safety and effective results. This treatment can be performed through an in-office procedure that takes about an hour or a take-home kit that can be completed over two weeks. In either case, your teeth will be up to eight shades brighter.
Falsehood the Second: Braces Are the Only Way to Straighten Teeth
Braces are a tried and proven way to achieve a straighter and healthier smile, but they aren’t the only game in town. In some cases, minor dental misalignments such as underbites, overbites, gaps, and crowding can be treated with porcelain veneers. By using these lifelike and durable appliances to reshape misaligned teeth, your dentist can rearrange your smile into a straighter, prettier, and more comfortable configuration. With excellent care, your veneers can last for up to fifteen years before needing replacement.
Falsehood the Third: Cosmetic Dentistry Is Incredibly Expensive
Many people are concerned that cosmetic dentistry will be too expensive for them. However, during your cosmetic dental consultation, your dentist will discuss your goals and budget with you so they can determine a treatment that meets both these criteria. Many offices also offer financing options to qualifying patients or big discounts through membership plans.
Since cosmetic dental procedures are typically considered elective, they are rarely covered by insurance. However, there may be cases where applying a beautiful metal-free crown may be necessary to preserve a patient’s oral health, meaning that insurance will probably offer partial coverage.
Don’t let a few silly rumors stand in the way of the smile you’ve always wanted. Scheduling your cosmetic dental consultation today can put you on the path to a more gorgeous grin.
About the Author
Dr. Teresa Knott earned her dental degree at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio and stays abreast of the latest developments in her field through membership with the Texas Dental Study Club and through classes offered by Spear Education. Her Garland office provides general, restorative, emergency, and cosmetic dentistry. To book your cosmetic dental consultation, contact the office online or dial (972) 530-5200.