According to survey results published by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the number of people investing in non-metal restorations, teeth whitening, veneers, and cosmetic bonding has more than doubled in the past five years. More people are investing in their smiles as well as their mental wellbeing. If you’re on the fence about scheduling a consultation, consider what’s holding you back. If it’s any of the five myths listed below that you’ve convinced yourself is true, then it’s time for you to pick up the phone!
Myth #1: Your only option to replace one missing tooth is a dental bridge.
Many people are hesitant to invest in a dental bridge because it involves altering the structure of your natural, healthy teeth in order to anchor the prosthetic in your mouth. Not only can this have an impact on your oral health, but it also isn’t the most reliable way to secure a restoration. With dental implants, you can either replace a single missing tooth by placing one dental implant below the gumline that will hold a dental crown in place, or two dental implants on either side of the gap in your smile that will secure a bridge.
Myth #2: Cosmetic dentistry doesn’t improve the health of your smile.
Sometimes people assume that all cosmetic treatments are optional and purely aesthetic. However, that’s not actually true. Services like cosmetic bonding and non-metal crowns help protect and strengthen your teeth from sustaining additional damage, like infections. Not only can this save you from an unexpected visit with your emergency dentist, but it can also prevent permanent damage like tooth loss.
Myth #3: Store-bought teeth whitening products are just as effective as professional treatment.
Store-bought teeth whitening products haven’t undergone the rigorous studies and trials that products used by dentists have. The treatments that you can get in a dental office have not only been proven to be safe to use on your teeth, but they’ve also been shown to effectively brighten your smile.
Myth #4: You need multiple cosmetic treatments if you want to correct different imperfections.
If you have several cosmetic flaws that you want to address, such as dental discoloration, damage, and slight crowding, it doesn’t mean that you’ll need to pay for and undergo multiple treatments. Porcelain veneers are an incredibly versatile treatment that can address all of these concerns with one, simple solution.
Myth #5: The only way to correct crooked teeth is with metal braces.
Many adults are hesitant to invest in fixing their orthodontic issues because metal braces will ruin their professional appearance. Fortunately, traditional orthodontics aren’t the only treatment available to straighten crooked and crowded teeth or fix bite problems. Invisalign uses clear, removable aligners that are perfect for adults and teens who don’t want to undergo a noticeable treatment.
Now that you’re familiar with the top five cosmetic dentistry myths that keep many people from taking a leap of faith to improve their appearance, function, and health of their smiles, you can take the first step towards rebuilding your grin with confidence!
About the Author
Dr. Rob McVety’s favorite thing about being a dentist is seeing his patients light up after they view their beautiful, enhanced smiles. He loves keeping up with the latest technology and techniques in the dental field and custom-tailoring each cosmetic treatment to meet his patient’s needs. He also regularly takes continuing education courses to keep his skills sharp. For questions or to schedule a consultation for cosmetic dentistry, visit Casco Bay Smiles’ website or call 207-517-7008.