Dental Procedure Pain: Get the Facts

Common Misconceptions About Cosmetic Dental Work

Most people have a basic idea of what cosmetic dental work is—dental work that makes your teeth look better. Maybe you can even name a few cosmetic dental procedures, such as veneers and tooth whitening. But beyond that, the information you think you know might not be entirely accurate, and that's because there are a lot of misconceptions about cosmetic dental work. However, what are those misconceptions, and what is actually true?

Misconception: Cosmetic dental work is just about looks.

As the name suggests, cosmetic dentistry is about making the teeth look better. But it's not accurate to say cosmetic dental work is just about looks. In many cases, making some changes that make the teeth look better may also make those teeth healthier. For example, if you have crooked teeth, straightening them will not only make your smile better but will also make those teeth easier to keep clean. If you have a chipped tooth, covering it with a crown will not just hide this small damage, but can also prevent the chip's rough edge from grabbing onto decay-causing bacteria.

Misconception: Cosmetic dental work is just for celebrities.

Some people may feel like they are not deserving of cosmetic work, or that their desire for cosmetic work makes them vain. Fortunately, no matter who you are, you deserve to feel comfortable and confident about your smile. When you do feel comfortable with your smile, you may act more confident at work and in social settings, and that confidence may help you more than you realize. Cosmetic dental work is not about vanity; it's about confidence.

Misconception: Cosmetic dental work will make your teeth look fake.

If you want your teeth to look so white that it's obvious you've had work done, your dentist can create that look for you. But most people want their smile to look natural, so that's more often when a cosmetic dentist will work to achieve. For example, you pretend that you got veneers. You can get them in a slightly off-white color rather than bright white, which will make it next to impossible for people to tell they're not your natural teeth. The same is true for crowns, bonding, and other cosmetic alterations. 

Misconceptions about cosmetic dental work are abundant, but your dentist knows the truth. If you ever have any other concerns or quandaries about cosmetic dental procedures, just bring them to your dentist's attention and ask for a little guidance. They can provide additional information regarding cosmetic dentistry


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