You’re not alone if you’re feeling self-conscious about imperfections in your smile. Every year, millions of dollars are spent on cosmetic dental procedures intended to boost one’s appearance more than their dental health. However, you might hesitate to undergo your desired treatments if you’ve heard one or more rumors about what’s involved in them.
If you’re on the fence about undergoing elective procedures to boost your confidence, continue reading to learn about 3 myths about cosmetic dentistry you shouldn’t believe!
Myth #1: I Can’t Afford It
A persistent rumor circulating in public spaces suggests that cosmetic services are so expensive that only the rich and famous can afford them. This may be partly because the first set of veneers was indeed developed to improve a movie star’s smile for the big screen. Furthermore, most dental insurance policies don’t cover treatments intended to enhance your looks more than your dental condition.
As a result, many patients fear they can’t afford to upgrade their grins. Thankfully, many dentists are aware of this concern and offer different services at varying price points so you’re likely to find options that suit your budget. For example, if you have chipped or cracked teeth and can’t afford veneers, you might be a good candidate for dental bonding instead.
Myth #2: My Procedure Will Hurt
Did you know that an estimated 15% to 36% of adults report feelings of anxiety around dental visits? It’s normal to want to avoid services if you think they could hurt, but fortunately, cosmetic services are mostly considered non-invasive. They tend to be incredibly straightforward, and there’s usually no need for numbing or needles.
However, it’s possible to develop temporary sensitivity, especially to overly hot and cold foods, if your teeth have just been prepared for veneers. Your dental team must remove a small amount of enamel for them to fit correctly, allowing sensations to travel more easily through the lower layer of dentin into the tender roots inside. This typically fades on its own after a few days and can often be safely addressed with Tylenol or ibuprofen.
Myth #3: The Results Look Unnatural
One common concern among patients new to cosmetic dentistry is that the results might stick out like a sore thumb. Whether you want a veneer to cover chips and cracks or teeth whitening to brighten your grin, you still want them to look natural.
Thanks to current dental technology and materials, your dentist can provide results that look and feel more lifelike than ever before. For instance, veneers are often made from durable porcelain that reflects light like enamel and can be customized to be the exact right shape, shade, and size for seamless results.
If you still have questions or concerns about how to meet your smile goals safely, consulting with your dentist is the best way to get accurate answers that take your unique circumstances into account!
Meet the Author
The dedicated dental team at The Smile Standard has been helping improve families’ dental health for thirty years. Today, Dr. Toufeek Dabah offers a comprehensive range of services to meet all your needs at one convenient location, including cosmetic treatments. He earned his dental degree from Midwestern University in Downers Grove and is a member of several professional organizations, including the American Dental Association. His caring approach is combined with state-of-the-art equipment to quickly identify problem areas and provide comfortable, accurate treatment results. You can request an appointment on the website or call (847) 882-8387.