The Truth About Cosmetic Dentistry

If you are unsatisfied with any aspect of your smile, you may have considered cosmetic dentistry. But with so many negative myths out there about it, misinformation could easily be holding you back. If you’re thinking about improving the appearance of your teeth but aren’t sure if it’s a good idea, here are the facts about five common myths and misconceptions about cosmetic dentistry

Myth #1: It’s Expensive

Cosmetic dentistry gets a bad rap as being costly because it is elective typically not covered by dental insurance, however there are some important exceptions. In some cases, your plan may offer partial benefits if the treatment is medically necessary. For example, a veneer may be covered if it protects the structure of a damaged tooth. With other treatments like SureSmile Clear Aligners, your plan may pay for a portion of the treatment.

For those who need further assistance, many dental practices offer financing or dental savings plans that may provide a discount on certain cosmetic services like teeth whitening.

Myth #2: It’s Painful

Nobody wants to be in pain, but thankfully most cosmetic dentistry procedures don’t really hurt. Professional whitening could cause temporary sensitivity, and aligners will likely cause a bit of discomfort for the first day or so after changing trays, but for the most part many procedures can be done under local anesthesia and any lingering sensitivity is typically well managed with OTC pain relievers.

Myth #3: OTC Whitening Kits are Just as Good as Professional Whitening

Wouldn’t it be nice to have a whiter, brighter smile for about $40? That’s what the manufacturers of those white strips want you to believe is possible, but the truth is that OTC whitening products contain diluted ingredients, so not only do they not work as well, but you also end up needing more to get close to the results you’d get from professional treatment. With Zoom in-office whitening, you can remove up to eight shades of discoloration in about one hour. Gels and strips could take months to show noticeable results and could ultimately end up costing you more in the long run!

Myth #4: Braces are the Only Way to Straighten Teeth

Traditionally, when patients have wanted straighter teeth, they’ve turned to orthodontics for help. Today, there are several other options available. SureSmile aligners can straighten the teeth using clear trays instead of traditional wires and brackets, while veneers can not only make your teeth look whiter and resist stains, but they can also fix minor spacing, shape, and tooth size issues at once!

Myth #5: Cosmetic Dentistry Can Only Improve Your Teeth

While yes, cosmetic dentistry does in fact improve the appearance of your teeth, it goes way beyond that. That’s because when you improve your smile, you can also boost your self-esteem, which could benefit you in myriad other ways. Imagine having the confidence to excel at that job interview or be more outgoing in your social life. With cosmetic dentistry, the sky is the limit!

Remember, it’s normal to have questions and concerns about cosmetic dentistry, but don’t let these common myths keep you from making one of the best decisions you’ll ever make!

About Dr. Tzagournis

Dr. George Tzagournis is proud to help patients improve their smiles with the help of cosmetic dentistry. If you have something about your teeth that you’d like to change, let him and the team at Tzagournis Dental Group of Westerville show you what this innovative branch of dentistry can do for you.

To schedule a consultation for cosmetic dentistry, please visit our website today or call us at 614-882-4032.