Have you heard some "facts" about cosmetic dental services that you are inclined to doubt? Here, our St. Thomas dentists set the record straight about some common misconceptions regarding cosmetic dental procedures.
Common Myths About Cosmetic Dental Procedures
Despite how valuable cosmetic dental procedures are, some common myths are often circulated as fact. Here, our dentists want to clear some of them up.
1. Cosmetic dental procedures are purely cosmetic.
While we may use the term 'cosmetic' to describe these procedures, in many ways they can absolutely contribute to helping change or restore your oral health.
While dental bonding may be used to help alter the appearance of a chipped or discoloured tooth, this procedure may also be used to protect exposed tooth roots caused by receding gums. Covering up these roots is a key step in restoring gum tissues in order to help relieve your gum sensitivity caused by periodontal disease.
The surgery to place dental implants can also help to restore the appearance of your smile by filling the gaps left in your mouth by missing teeth. However, implants serve another purpose, preventing the surrounding teeth from shifting out of position nd into the gap, avoiding associated oral health issues.
2. Cosmetic dental services are expensive.
Because of advances in dental technology recently, cosmetic dental services have generally become less costly than they have been in the past. Cosmetic dental services determined to be necessary by insurance companies like implants or crowns may even be covered.
At Fairview Dentistry, we also offer flexible payment options to help you conveniently pay for your procedures.
3. Teeth whitening damages teeth.
When correctly performed under the supervision of your dentist, teeth whitening is safe for your teeth with a very low risk of damage to your teeth. Your dentist will evaluate your health before teeth whitening treatments in order to determine whether or not they can be done safely and effectively on your teeth.
4. Cosmetic dental procedures take a long time.
Today's cosmetic dental technology is able to customize services to fit your schedule and budget. Many cosmetic dental procedures will only take an hour or two and a single appointment to alter the appearance of your teeth.
5. Cosmetic dental procedures are unnecessary.
Many different cosmetic dental procedures, from bonding to veneers, may be used to solve long-standing oral health issues. What is "necessary" for you may not depend on your dental health though. If a given cosmetic procedure helps to increase your self-confidence and your quality of life, it could be considered necessary.
6. Cosmetic dental procedures are painful.
Our dentists strive to make every appointment as comfortable as possible. Many cosmetic procedures are minimally invasive and involve very little pain for the patient. Though your mouth may feel sensitive for a short time following some procedures, this should fade quickly.
7. Your results won’t appear natural-looking.
At Fairview Dentistry, we use modern technologies and processes in order to help us achieve a natural-looking altered smile for our patients. Whether you are searching for veneers, whitening or other cosmetic procedures, we can help you understand the best way to achieve your smile goals.