Here are your top five cosmetic dentistry questions answered.
Am I too old for cosmetic dentistry?
The short answer – no. There’s really no reason why you can’t have cosmetic treatments at any age if you think you might benefit from them. Cosmetic treatments are not just for young people – there’s a growing trend of older adults undergoing cosmetic treatments these days. Even if you’re in your 80s or 90s and not sure if you’ll get enough use out of the procedure, you can never be sure how much longer you have left. You will probably still get at least a good few years out of your procedure – and wouldn’t it be worth it to experience those years confidently and happily? You’re not being selfish and vain in considering such a treatment for yourself – you’d want the best for your children or your family, so why can’t you have access to the best yourself? Your cosmetic treatment is an investment in your health, your happiness and your self-confidence, and you really can’t underestimate the importance of self-confidence in the quality of your life. Modern cosmetic treatments are quicker and easier to undergo, so you should be able to comfortably cope with the procedure no matter your age. Cosmetic treatments can also benefit you in other ways than just aesthetically. They can make cleaning easier, reduce the risk of tooth decay and gum disease, reduce grinding, jaw pain and headaches and allow you to chew food properly. So don’t let excuses or fear hold you back from achieving the smile you’ve always wanted, even if you’re older. You are never too old to experience the life-changing benefits that cosmetic dentistry can bring.Am I too young for cosmetic dentistry?
While cosmetic dentistry procedures seem to be more necessary for older people as the ravages of time take their toll, there are many reasons why children and teenagers might seek cosmetic dentistry. Cosmetic dentistry is sometimes considered contentious for young people who are still changing and growing and have not yet reached full dental maturity. However, cosmetic procedures can certainly be carried out on young people – although usually when they have reached certain stages of development. Unless the dental problem is causing significant physical or emotional distress for a younger person, most dentists will recommend waiting to make any cosmetic changes until all permanent teeth have established. It’s best to discuss this with your cosmetic dentist to determine the best option for your individual circumstances.Will cosmetic dentistry hurt?
Many people are hesitant to seek cosmetic treatment because of the fear that it will be painful and invasive. However, these fears are unfounded, as modern cosmetic procedures are relatively painless and minimally invasive. Cosmetic dentists these days use less invasive techniques to prevent discomfort and pain and try to preserve as much of the natural tooth structure as possible. Many cosmetic treatments, such as teeth whitening, will not hurt at all. Others will be carried out under anaesthesia so that you don’t feel any pain. While you may experience small amounts of discomfort and swelling in the few days following your procedure, this won’t last long and can be easily managed with over-the-counter pain medications.Is cosmetic dentistry expensive?
In the past, cosmetic dentistry was considered the province of the rich and famous, as the cost was far too expensive for most ordinary people. This has probably led to the stigma of cosmetic dentistry being considered overly expensive and unaffordable. However, modern advancements in cosmetic dental technology and material sciences have placed cosmetic dentistry within reach of the average person. Treatments are much cheaper than in the past and are probably more affordable than you might think. As well, many dentists offer payment plans and options to help patients spread the cost. There’s really no reason why you should have to be unhappy with the appearance of your teeth or smile, when there’s so many cosmetic treatment options available at affordable prices. Keep in mind that the cost will vary depending on each individual’s unique circumstances, goals, needs and treatment plan. Talk to your cosmetic dentist to get a better idea of exactly what the costs will be. Another thing to remember is voluntary cosmetic dentistry is often not covered by medical insurance companies, so make sure you check exactly what’s covered with your insurance provider.Who needs cosmetic dentistry?
People don’t usually “need” cosmetic dentistry – but many people choose to have it for a wide variety of reasons. Cosmetic dentistry by definition is a usually a voluntary procedure undertaken for the purposes of improving the appearance of a person’s teeth, gums or smile. A better question might be, ‘Who would benefit from cosmetic dentistry?’ And the answer is anyone who is unhappy with or self-conscious about their teeth and their smile and feels it is holding them back from living their best life. This may include people with:- Broken, chipped or cracked teeth
- Crooked or misaligned teeth
- Discoloured or stained teeth
- Irregularly shaped or uneven teeth
- Very worn teeth
- Excessively short teeth
- Gappy teeth
