Many people walk around with chipped, uneven, or discolored teeth. Some of these people are very self-conscious about their smile and tend to hide their smile, hold back, or cover their mouth with their hand when laughing. One of the greatest benefits of cosmetic dentistry is the boost in confidence and self-esteem that comes from having a smile you can be proud of. Let me start by talking about some of the myths surrounding cosmetic dentistry.
Myth #1
It’s going to hurt.
Secret #1
Modern dentistry has progressed quite a ways from the time of novocaine and the foot-driven drill. Most of the time treatment can be accomplished in just a few visits with minimal discomfort. We even have a tablet so you can watch your favorite TV show or movie while we do all the hard work and noise-cancelling headphones so you don’t have to hear the sound of the drill.
Myth #2
I won’t be able to afford it.
Secret #2
While not cheap, the cost of cosmetic dentistry has decreased significantly over the years where it has become affordable for the average patient. When compared to other cosmetic procedures the price doesn’t look so bad and they say that a smile is the first thing that people notice when they meet someone new. Financing has also helped people fit treatment into their monthly budgets. With CareCredit, payments can be extended as long as 60 months to help make sure that cost does not prevent you from obtaining your picture perfect smile.
Myth #3
Cosmetic dentistry weakens teeth.
Secret #3
Today’s dental materials are vastly improved over the past generations. Lithium disilicate and zirconia restorations can be fabricated that rival the strength of your natural teeth. Teeth can be minimally prepared and porcelain bonded to the tooth to create strong, long-lasting restorations. Often your bite can be improved so that your teeth last longer than if no treatment was done in the first place.
Over time, teeth wear down as we age. Often once the enamel is gone the dentin is exposed, which gives a more yellow tone to the tooth and allows stains to penetrate inside the tooth more easily. Cosmetic dentistry can restore the missing enamel adding years back to your smile and cover up the stained interior of the teeth. When you look younger, you feel younger as well. We take care of our skin and the other parts of our body and it only makes sense to take care of the “wrinkles” in our teeth.
Often people that get cosmetic dentistry find that they have more success in their careers. As much as people don’t like to admit it, we often make snap judgements based on appearances and studies show that people with attractive smiles appear more successful, interesting, and intelligent. The same goes for new romantic relationships. People find members of the opposite sex more attractive when they have good teeth, especially females.
So to wrap this up, cosmetic dentistry has many benefits both physically and emotionally. From increased self-confidence to improved appearance to better career and relationship prospects. It is easy to see why cosmetic dentistry is so desirable and has already changed so many lives. The only question is: Why not you? What’s been holding you back? I hope that I was able to shatter some of the myths about cosmetic dentistry and give you an idea about what is possible in this day and age. If you are interesting in becoming a patient at our office or receiving a free, no-obligation consult to learn more about cosmetic dentistry and what it can do for you, please call Nelson Dental Care at (504) 887-3311. Love life, smile confidently.