In the United States, a significant amount of emphasis is placed on appearance, including the appearance of teeth. Studies show that Americans associate having a healthy, beautiful smile with personal and professional success. 

As a result, cosmetic dentistry has seen exponential growth over the last few years, with increasingly more patients undergoing procedures to improve the appearance of their teeth. 

But not everything you hear about cosmetic dentistry may be true. It’s time to learn the truth about cosmetic dentistry.

What is cosmetic dentistry? 

Cosmetic dentistry is a branch of professional dental care that aims to improve the appearance of your teeth. Most cosmetic procedures are elective, but some treatment options are used to restore your smile after damage to your teeth or gums. 

This area of dentistry is rapidly changing. Materials are now more natural looking and durable, and dental crowns and many other procedures can be completed in a single visit. Technology continues to advance, making it easier, quicker, and more comfortable than ever to make your smile shine.   

Types of Cosmetic Dental Treatment 

If your teeth are chipped, broken, stained, worn, misshapen, or gapped, you could improve your smile with these common cosmetic dentistry procedures: 

• Dental bonding
• Veneers
• Dental crowns and bridges 
• Dental implants
• Inlays or onlays
• Teeth whitening
• Dentures
• Orthodontics and aligners
• Tooth-colored fillings

Although they are called cosmetic procedures, many of these treatments will also restore or improve your overall oral health. For example, veneers both enhance your smile and protect teeth that have thin enamel. They will also shield your teeth from sensitivity to certain foods or temperatures, eliminating any shooting pain.

Dental crowns and bonding can repair broken or cracked teeth while improving your smile. These routine cosmetic fixes can protect your teeth from additional damage. 

The Truth About Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry has been around for thousands of years. Through the centuries, one thing has remained the same: the myths. But it’s time to debunk these tales, including these 3 myths about cosmetic dentistry in the modern world.  

Myth 1: Cosmetic dentistry is painful. 

Dentists have long been battling a reputation for providing painful treatment. However, with technological advances, providers and patients who have completed cosmetic dentistry treatments understand that it should be—and is—painless, most of the time. 

Products like Kovanaze have made delivering dental care a breeze. This medication provides dental anesthesia for the front teeth and is often used during dental bonding and veneers. It delivers an anesthetic through a nasal spray instead of the traditional injection via a needle.  

Many other tools in modern dentistry maximize patient comfort, such as digital impressions. This technology eliminates the need for gooey putty trays that make you feel like you’re choking. Laser technology has also been around for years and provides a more comfortable option for dental treatment than traditional methods. 

Myth 2: Cosmetic dentistry is too hard on the teeth. 

Cosmetic dentistry is designed to give you a healthy smile that you love. Your smile is the primary factor; however, exchanging the strength of your teeth for an improved appearance isn’t an option.

Professional teeth whitening is a safe and effective treatment option that doesn’t harm the natural structure of your teeth. It’s a simple way to improve your smile’s appearance and can be done in the office or at home. Some patients see dramatic results, brightening their teeth several shades.

You could achieve even more dramatic results with veneers or bonding. Both of these procedures are completed with little to no removal of natural tooth structure.   

While veneers and bonding are safe, only some patients are candidates. Your cosmetic dentist will explain which methods are or are not a good fit for your teeth.     

Myth 3: Cosmetic dentistry is too expensive. 

You want a smile you’ll be proud of, but the price tag can seem daunting. However, cosmetic dentistry is an investment in yourself that will yield a big return, such as a more positive self-image and improved overall appearance. 

If price is still a concern, you have options. 

Cosmetic procedures that are also considered restorative may be covered through an insurance policy. Not every cosmetic procedure falls into this category, which is why many practices offer financing or payment plans to help you achieve your smile goals. 

CareCredit is a healthcare credit card used as payment in thousands of healthcare provider offices. It makes affording the treatment you need and want more feasible. 

Another way to ensure your cosmetic dental treatment is competitively priced is to find a dentist with good reviews. You want to know that they can deliver positive, impactful results that will be worth the expense.

What are you waiting for? 

Now that you know the truth about cosmetic dentistry, don’t delay getting the smile of your dreams. Contact Oxley Comprehensive Dentistry and visit a Trent Woods, NC, cosmetic dentistry specialist today.