Many people don’t realize that aesthetic issues in their teeth can affect everything from their confidence to their dental health. If your pearly whites are flawed, you might worry about how others perceive you and avoid spending time with them. Plus, your condition might worsen and lead to potentially progressive issues, like additional injuries that lead to infection.
Fortunately, your dentist can provide cosmetic services to help, but many patients avoid scheduling these elected procedures because they’ve heard some misinformation. Keep reading to learn 3 myths about these treatments you shouldn’t believe!
Falsehood #1: It’s All About Appearance
Although cosmetic procedures are primarily intended to improve your looks, several services offer additional benefits, too. For instance, if your enamel is chipped or cracked, bacteria can penetrate it more easily to cause decay or disease that can spread to your gums and jawbone if left unaddressed. Porcelain veneers can be bonded to the front surface of your teeth to mask aesthetic concerns while shielding them from additional harm. Similarly, dental bonding can be applied to safeguard your troubled tooth while simultaneously improving its appearance.
Falsehood #2: It Weakens Teeth
Surprisingly, many people believe that undergoing cosmetic dental treatments with their dentist might hurt their grin. They’re happy to help improve your reflection, but they won’t do it at the cost of your oral health. Before undergoing any procedure, they’ll update your medical history and examine your mouth to ensure you’re a good candidate. If they find signs of issues that might interfere with your results, like cavities or gum disease, they’ll take the time to mend the damage before proceeding with cosmetic work.
That said, it’s worth noting that to be fitted with porcelain veneers, your provider must remove a thin layer of enamel for them to fit flush against your gums. This protective outer layer doesn’t grow back, meaning that your teeth are somewhat more vulnerable to problems. Thankfully, veneers are so strong that they act as an added layer of protection once they’re bonded in place and can last 20+ years with the right care.
Falsehood #3: It’s Too Expensive
Most dental insurance policies don’t cover services that are meant to boost your looks, and unfortunately, many patients assume that paying out-of-pocket isn’t a feasible reality. In the past, cosmetic dental treatments that utilized costly materials, like porcelain or gold, might only have been available to the rich and famous. Thanks to ongoing development in dental technology and materials, that’s not the case today!
New durable materials, like cost-effective tooth-colored composite resin, have made many services more accessible to more people. Plus, many dentists partner with third-party financers, like Lending Tree, to offer flexible payment options. You can even ask your provider about an in-house membership with additional discounts on services not always included in insurance, like cosmetics.
Now that you know more about cosmetic dentistry, there’s no reason to delay. Schedule your consultation today and soon you could have the beautiful, healthy smile you’ve always dreamed of!
About the Practice
At Dr. Glen’s Happy Teeth, people of all ages benefit from a team of experts with 25+ years of combined experience. Their family-friendly practice provides a full array of services to meet everyone’s needs conveniently under one roof. Then, they take the time to get to know your unique needs and goals so they can tailor treatments to meet them. Finally, they utilize state-of-the-art technology to enhance patient comfort while delivering accurate results intended to last. You can request an appointment on the website or call (516) 517-0331.