Okemos, Lansing and East Lansing Michigan
The popularity of cosmetic dentistry has soared in recent years as more and more people want to erase years of age from their smile and face, giving their inner confidence a huge boost! But despite its popularity, several myths still surround the field of cosmetic dentistry. Today, Okemos’s own cosmetic dentist, Dr. Christine Tenaglia, is debunking some of the common misconceptions about cosmetic dentistry.
Myth 1: Cosmetic dentistry is only about aesthetics
Okay, let’s be honest: the primary focus of cosmetic dentistry is smile aesthetics — we want your smile to be perfect! But cosmetic dentistry can also play a big role in enhancing and correcting overall dental health. Dental crowns, veneers and bonding, for instance, can protect and strengthen damaged teeth. Straightening teeth with braces or Invisalign can improve oral hygiene by making it easier to clean between teeth, thus preventing cavities and gum disease. Invisalign can also correct a bad bite, addressing issues like bruxism (the clenching and grinding of teeth) and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder.
Myth 2: Cosmetic dentistry looks unnatural
Nothing could be further from the truth. A skilled cosmetic dentist like Dr. Tenaglia uses high-quality materials and advanced techniques to create a remarkably natural-looking smile. Cosmetic dental work can and should be virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth.
Myth 3: Cosmetic dentistry is unaffordable
Advances in technology and materials have made many cosmetic procedures more accessible and affordable than ever before! On top of that, dental practices like Tenaglia Smiles offer payment plans and financing options to help patients manage treatment costs because we know that investing in your smile can have long-term benefits, not only for your appearance but for your overall dental health.
Myth 4: Cosmetic dental procedures are painful
Many people have a fear of the dentist that, unfortunately, keeps them from seeking general or cosmetic dental treatments. Fear of pain is a real thing! But modern general and cosmetic dentistry techniques are designed to be as minimally invasive and as comfortable as possible. Local anesthesia, sedation options and advanced technology ensure that procedures are generally pain-free. In fact, most of our patients report little to no discomfort during and after their dental treatments.
Myth 5: Over-the-counter products are just as effective
While over-the-counter whitening products and other DIY solutions may help with surface stains, they are not powerful enough to provide optimum results. Whitening kits and strips in big box stores or online often irritate the teeth and gums and lead to inconsistent, uneven results. Cosmetic dentists like Dr. Tenaglia have access to high-quality materials and can provide personalized care that over-the-counter products simply can’t match.
Transform your smile in East Lansing and Okemos, Michigan
If you’ve been putting off a smile makeover because of an easily debunked myth, it’s time to make a phone call to Tenaglia Smiles at (517) 940-8684. We are here to help you understand your options and make informed decisions about your dental care, and we will happily address any myth or misconception you’ve heard about cosmetic dentistry. Then, we let our results do the debunking.