Myths About Cosmetic Dentistry

A smile is very unique. We are all born with one flaws and all. However, some of us are self conscious about our smiles and it can affect self esteem and life prospects (socially and in business). Cosmetic dentistry can fix those flaws. Below are a few myths people believe about cosmetic dentistry and we will debunk each one.

Myth #1: Cosmetic Dentistry Is Purely Cosmetic

Totally untrue. Cosmetic dentistry is both a cosmetic and a functional discipline of dental treatment. Most cosmetic dentistry procedures have both functional as well as cosmetic characteristics. For example, porcelain veneers are considered wholly cosmetic by many. While they complete the job with flying colors, they also serve other purposes. They have the ability to protect sensitive teeth and to re align your smile.

Another example are dental crowns. They can protect teeth that have been severely broken or undergone root canal therapy. They will just look really good while protecting your smile!

Myth #2: Cosmetic Dentistry Actually Weakens Your Smile

Again not true. In some ways it strengthens your smile and future dental health. For example, placement of dental implants following loss of teeth will preserve bone structure for as long as the dental implant is in place.

Myth #3: High Financial Cost

Some cosmetic dentistry is covered by dental insurance. While some cosmetic dentistry services have a high price tag due to materials and technology used the cost can be minimized with payment plans offered by your dentist. Marielaina Perrone DDS offers CareCredit to her patients to make treatment affordable using 0% interest payment plans.

Myth #4: Cosmetic Dentistry Has Not Evolved

Cosmetic dentistry as well as general dentistry continues to evolve. New techniques and materials along with technology has made the dental office of today unrecognizable to the previous generation. A good example is the use of Botox cosmetic in dentistry. While it can help cosmetically, we have learned it can help with TMJ disorder as well as migraine headaches.

Myth #5: Cosmetic Dentistry Is All About Major Changes

Not true. While a complete smile makeover will encompass changes across your smile. Some patients may only desire the repair of a chipped tooth using dental bonding or the placement of a single dental implant. Both procedures will transform a smile with minor modifications.

Myth #6: Teeth Whitening Causes Damage To Teeth

This is partially true. Especially with the home whitening kits bought via the drug store or over the internet. The ingredients when not in proper dosing can cause irreparable damage to your teeth’s enamel. These chemicals can also cause tooth sensitivity and irritate gum tissues.

In office whitening treatment or dentist supervised teeth whitening is safer and more effective.

Myth #7: Dental Crowns and Bridges Are Maintenance Free

Dental crowns and bridges should be treated like your natural teeth if you wish to keep them long term. They require regular brushing, flossing, and rinsing along with professional dental hygiene visits. While the crowns themselves cannot get tooth decay, the underlying tooth structure can as well as the root of your natural tooth.

Myth #8: My Gummy Smile Has No Cosmetic Dentistry Treatment

Surgical Treatment Of Gummy Smile

–Gingivectomy (another term is gingivoplasty which includes gum contouring). This dental procedure is simply removal of excess gingival tissue from around the teeth. Removing excess gingival tissue is just the first step. Your cosmetic dentist will remove and reshape the tissues for an esthetic result. You would be surprised how little gingival tissue is actually removed in most cases. Your dentist a laser, an electrical cautery unit, or make periodontal incisions to remove and reshape the gum tissues.

Local anesthetic is necessary during gummy smile procedure for comfort. This gummy smile treatment will not require any sutures and generally the gum tissues heal within 1-2 weeks following the procedure. A gingivectomy is usually the recommended gummy smile procedure when only a few teeth are affected by the gummy smile issue. In other cases, bone tissues may need to be remodeled as well.

-Crown Lengthening. This gummy smile procedure allows for your dentist to remove bone tissues as well as gum tissues. This procedure can be a bit more advanced in technique but still fairly easy for most periodontists.

Non-Surgical Treatment Of Gummy Smile

–Botox For Gummy Smile. The use of Botox is fairly new for treatment of gummy smile. The botox application relaxes the muscles (levator) in the upper lip causing the lip to not curl under or lift as high upon smiling. The botox relaxes the lip for a more balanced smile. This still allows you to smile, it just limits the height of the upper lip movement.

The treatment lasts about 3 months so no worries about permanent changes. Both surgical and non surgical procedures have very low risks and are easily completed. Obviously, the botox injections will be the least invasive but in some cases botox alone will not give the desired results. Using dermal fillers along with Botox may also help those with thinner lips.

Myth #9: Cosmetic Dentistry Always Looks Fake

This was definitely the case in the early days of cosmetic dentistry. Materials and technology have evolved along with dentist skill. A well trained, skilled cosmetic dentist like Dr Perrone can create and enhance a smile to look as natural as the teeth you were born with. The key is to match color, shape, and translucency of your natural teeth with your new dental restoration(s).

Myth #10: Cosmetic Dentistry Will Give Me An Ordinary Smile

Totally untrue. You can go from ordinary to extra ordinary with a few short visits. The most important thing to focus on is your wants and desires for your smile. An experienced cosmetic dentist will listen to their patients and understand the changes desired. Small changes can be made as well as larger scale changes. A well educated patient along with a top cosmetic dentist can give you the smile you have always dreamed of!

If you are ready for a smile makeover, contact Marielaina Perrone DDS at (702) 458-2929 to schedule a no cost cosmetic consultation appointment. We cannot wait to help you with your smile makeover to create the smile of your dreams in Summerlin, Henderson, and Las Vegas, NV.