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Information spreads a lot more quickly than it used to, making it easier than ever to stay in-the-know and fact-check the rumor mill. But that doesn’t stop some outdated cosmetic dentistry myths from living on in infamy! If a “fact” or two has brought down your excitement for a cosmetic dental treatment, keep reading. This post may just be able to put your concerns – and these myths – to rest.
“Dental Cosmetics Don’t Improve Your Oral Health”
Somehow cosmetic treatments have developed a reputation for being superficial. For many modern treatments, this simply isn’t the case, and that includes many dental options.
Dental veneers and bonding can protect damaged teeth from bacteria, for example. Metal-free restorations (which are just crowns and fillings made from tooth-colored materials instead of metal) are considered cosmetic. And gum recontouring can reverse the ill-effects of gum recession! Basically, there’s no shortage of dental cosmetics that also promote your oral health.
“The Treatment Options Are Unaffordable”
Cosmetic dentistry may be able to give you a Hollywood smile, but the price-tag doesn’t have to match. Innovations like more cost-effective materials and more efficient fabrication methods have drastically reduced the cost of these treatments, making them affordable for the average-joe.
If your budget does need some additional assistance, the modern landscape has helped with this, too. Some options, like metal-free restorations, can be partially covered by dental insurance, and many dental practices offer flexible payment plans through third parties like CareCredit. You don’t have to be a millionaire to achieve your dream smile!
“Your Smile Won’t Look Natural”
When you try to picture the perfect smile, who do you see? Tom Cruise? Julia Roberts? George Clooney? All of these famous celebrities are known for having fantastic teeth, and they all have something in common: cosmetic dental work! The truth is that dentists take great care to color-match treatments like veneers and bonding to the natural shade of your pearly whites. These days, ceramics, composite resins, and even acrylics can be crafted to look incredibly tooth-like. Rest assured, your smile will look flawlessly seamless with dental cosmetics!
“Cosmetic Dentistry is For Young’uns”
Who says you can’t rock brilliantly white teeth in your 60’s? In fact, cosmetic dentistry is a great way for older adults to enhance their appearance without committing to invasive or involved treatments. Your dentist won’t stop you from receiving dental cosmetics because of your age – like they do with every patient, they’ll just want to make sure you have good oral health so that your treatment will go smoothly.
Now that these cosmetic dentistry myths have been debunked, are you more excited about beautifying your smile? Your dentist will be happy to go over your options and help you find the treatment that will give you the look you’ve been dreaming about. If you have any questions or lingering concerns, don’t be afraid to voice them! Your dentist can clear things up so you can move forward with confidence.
About the Author
Dr. Francisca A. Sanchez loves her job! Ever since she can remember, she’s enjoyed helping people improve their oral health and dental aesthetics. After graduating from dental school in the Dominican Republic and completing a prestigious program, she moved to the US and received her AEGD from the Columbia College of Dental Medicine. Today, Dr. Sanchez continues to learn about emerging developments in the field so she can provide her patients with the best care possible. If you’re interested in cosmetic dentistry, call her office at 646-669-7407.