While millions of Americans enhance their teeth each year with cosmetic dentistry, there are millions of others who want to, but don’t. Why? Often, it’s because they believe certain myths that make visiting a cosmetic dentist in Oklahoma City seem like a bad idea. But today, we’re going to debunk the most common myths and show why getting the smile you’ve always wanted is much simpler (and more affordable) than you might think.
Myth 1: “Cosmetic Dentistry is Extremely Expensive.”
You don’t have to break the bank to get high-quality cosmetic dentistry anymore. Whether you’re fixing one tooth or transforming your entire smile, most dental practices these days offer several ways to pay that make treatment more affordable than ever. If a procedure will repair a tooth in addition to making it look better, it might be covered by dental insurance. It’s also possible to sign up for low-to-no interest payment plans to space out the cost so it fits easily into your budget.
Myth 2: “My Smile Will Look Fake.”
Everyone has seen an oversized and unnaturally white Hollywood smile, and many people associate this obviously artificial look with cosmetic dentistry. The truth is that thanks to advances in dental materials, technology, and techniques, dentists are able to achieve subtle, lifelike results that still make someone’s teeth look stunning. Rather than giving you a cookie-cutter smile, today’s cosmetic dentists strive to give their patients the absolute best version of their own smiles.
Myth 3: “Store-Bought Whitening is Just as Good as Professional.”
While there are plenty of whitening products available at the store, and they will all tell you that they’re able to brighten the teeth as much as a professional treatment, this just isn’t true. Store-bought bleaching gels have extremely low concentrations of the active ingredient that actually whitens the teeth, which tends to be either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. Dentists not only use much stronger products, but they are also able to apply them very precisely, ensuring a patient quickly achieves the perfect shade while also preserving the health of their teeth and gums.
Myth 4: “Cosmetic Dental Work Doesn’t Last.”
This might have been true in the past, but it just isn’t the case now. Veneers have a 15-20 year lifespan, cosmetic bonding can often last for a decade, and porcelain crowns can easily endure for multiple decades. With professional teeth whitening, your smile will stay bright for over a year before you need a quick touch-up.
Don’t Let Myths Hold You Back
If you’ve wanted to do something about your smile for years, but you’ve had concerns about cosmetic dentistry, hopefully busting these myths has removed a barrier between you and your ideal look. If you have any other apprehensions, simply schedule an appointment with a cosmetic dentist in Oklahoma City, and they’ll be happy to put your mind at ease before laying out the path toward your dream smile.
About the Author
Dr. Michael Kirk is a cosmetic dentist who has been serving the Oklahoma City area for more than 25 years. His experience, extensive education, and countless hours of training enable him to offer the latest cosmetic dentistry services, and he always tailors them to each patient to guarantee they’ll love the results. To learn more or schedule a consultation, you can reach Dr. Kirk here.