When you smile, do you feel your confidence levels rise? Are you happy with your teeth, or do you constantly worry about them in social situations? If you answered no to either of those questions, then cosmetic dentistry might be the right choice for you.
There are many benefits to cosmetic dentistry that you might not have considered. Read on to find out everything you need to know about the pros and cons of cosmetic dentistry before you potentially take the plunge and brave the dentist’s chair.
What Is Cosmetic Dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry is a branch of dentistry that focuses on improving the appearance of a person’s teeth, mouth and smile. It is a relatively new field of dentistry that has only gained popularity in recent years. There are many different procedures that fall under the umbrella of cosmetic dentistry, such as teeth whitening, bonding, veneers, and more.
While cosmetic dentistry is not considered a necessary medical procedure, many people choose to undergo cosmetic dental procedures in order to improve their smile and boost their self-confidence. Cosmetic dentistry can be quite expensive, but the results are often worth the investment.
Before you put “dentist near me” in the Google search bar, check out first our list of pros and cons of cosmetic dentistry.
The Pros of Cosmetic Dentistry
There are many benefits to cosmetic dentistry, and more and more people are choosing to pursue this type of treatment. Below are just a few of the advantages.
Enhances Smile
There are many benefits to cosmetic dentistry, including the fact that it can greatly enhance your smile. A beautiful smile can boost your self-confidence and make you feel more attractive. It can also make you appear more approachable, which can be beneficial in both your professional and personal life.
Restores Teeth Functionality
Cosmetic dentistry can also restore functionality to your teeth. If you have missing teeth, cosmetic dentistry can provide dental implants or bridges to restore your ability to eat and speak properly.
Improves Tooth Alignment
Crooked or gapped teeth can be fixed with cosmetic dental procedures, giving you a straighter, more uniform smile. Straightening your teeth can make it easier to keep them clean and healthy, as it is easier to brush and floss them when they are in alignment.
Improves Self Confidence
Cosmetic dentistry can boost your self-confidence. If you’re unhappy with your smile, cosmetic dentistry can give you the confidence you need to show your smile to the world.
Optimizes Oral Health
Cosmetic dentistry can also enhance a person’s oral health. For example, if a person has teeth that are crowded or crooked, they may be more difficult to clean and more likely to develop cavities or other oral problems. By correcting these issues, patients can reduce their risk of developing oral health problems in the future.
Prevents Further Damage
Cosmetic dentistry can help prevent further damage to your teeth and gums. If you have chipped teeth, gaps in your teeth, or other cosmetic dental problems, cosmetic dentistry can help improve your appearance and protect your teeth from further damage.
Simple & Long Lasting Results
This is why more and more people are turning to cosmetic dentistry to improve their smiles. Unlike traditional methods, such as braces, which can take years to achieve desired results, cosmetic dentistry can provide you with a new smile in as little as a few weeks. And because cosmetic dental procedures are designed to last, you can enjoy your new smile for years to come.
The Cons of Cosmetic Dentistry
While cosmetic dentistry can give you a great smile, it also has its downsides. Here are some disadvantages of cosmetic dentistry.
Cost
The cost of cosmetic dentistry can be quite high. This is because it is considered to be an elective procedure, and insurance companies often will not cover the cost.
Additionally, the materials used in cosmetic dentistry can be quite expensive. For example, porcelain veneers can cost several thousand dollars. Cosmetic dentistry can also be time-consuming and require multiple visits to the dentist.
Sensitivity of Teeth
One of the risks of cosmetic surgery is that your teeth may become more sensitive. This is because the teeth are being altered, and the enamel is being removed. This can lead to pain and discomfort when eating hot or cold foods.
Permanence
Because cosmetic dentistry is not considered medically necessary, there is no guarantee that the results will be permanent. In some cases, patients may need to return for touch-ups or further procedures down the road.
Requires Extensive Preparation
There are many cons to cosmetic dentistry, one being that it requires extensive preparation. This can include x-rays, impressions, and photos of your teeth.
The prep work can be time-consuming and expensive. In some cases, your dentist may even need to cap or remove some of your healthy tooth structure in order to make room for cosmetic dental work.
Some Treatments May Cause Pain During and After the Procedure
Another disadvantage of cosmetic procedures is that some dental treatments may cause pain during and after the procedure. This is especially true for procedures like teeth whitening and dental bonding. It’s important to talk to your cosmetic dentist about your pain tolerance and whether you’re a good candidate for these types of procedures.
The Pros and Cons of Cosmetic Dentistry
There are many pros and cons to cosmetic dentistry. Some people feel that it is necessary to have perfect teeth in order to have success in life, while others feel that it is a waste of money and time.
Ultimately, the decision to get cosmetic dentistry is a personal one. If you are considering it, be sure to do your research and talk to your cosmetic dentist to see if it is right for you.
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