Many of us are obsessed with the way our teeth look. Think about it. What’s the first thing you notice about a person? For most of us, it’s the person’s teeth. Nevertheless,  even though a lot of us are obsessed with teeth, ⅓ of Americans are dissatisfied with the way their teeth look. 

That’s where cosmetic dentistry comes in. Cosmetic dentistry can help improve your smile and overall dental health. However, there are pros and cons to cosmetic dentistry, so we’ve compiled a list to help you decide whether it’s the right choice for you. 

Cons of Cosmetic Dentistry

Teeth Sensitivity

While many good effects come with cosmetic dentistry, there are also some that aren’t so great. Whitening your teeth can make your teeth sensitive to temperature, and you’re also encouraged to stay away from foods and drinks that can stain your teeth, such as coffee or berries. 

When getting a crown, a dentist has to drill into your tooth, which can lead to gum recession and sensitivity. Implants have also been known to cause infections and post-surgery bleeding. 

Permanence

Many of these procedures are permanent. You have to be completely certain that this procedure is right for you and that it’s something you want because there’s no turning back once it is done. 

Price

Many people don’t have a disposable income available for cosmetic dentistry procedures, so price can be a major con for some. For instance, veneers can cost anywhere between $925 and $2,500 per tooth. Braces can cost up to $5,000 or more. Financing and insurance can help cover these costs, but not everyone has these options. 

Pros of Cosmetic Dentistry

Health Boost

Kidney problems, heart disease, diabetes, and even oral cancer are some serious consequences of bad oral hygiene. Gum disease and tooth decay are also issues to worry about with poor oral care. After receiving cosmetic dentistry, there is more motivation for the individual to take good care of their teeth, leading to a happier and healthier person. 

Confidence Boost

The most obvious benefit of cosmetic dentistry is the confidence boost one gets from having a brighter, straighter smile. After any cosmetic dentistry procedure, you are guaranteed to feel better about your teeth. No more uncomfortable social situations trying to hide your smile. 

Looking Younger

Having healthy teeth can help make you look younger. A youthful smile lights up your entire face and can completely change your outlook on life. Not only will you look younger, you’ll also feel younger, which is just as important. 

Set up an appointment with Stiles Dental Group by calling 334-510-3990 to talk with one of our dentists about whether cosmetic dentistry is right for you. We’re here to answer any of your questions to help you make the step for better oral health and a more confident smile.

Everyone wants an award-winning smile, but very few people have one naturally. With all the new technology and techniques coming out, it’s easier than ever to get the smile of your dreams. One great option to achieve that is dental veneers. 

It’s a well-known fact that porcelain veneers are one of the most effective and popular solutions to cover up a single or several tooth imperfections. Dental veneers are a really great option for people who want to improve the appearance of their teeth. But who qualifies as a good candidate for dental veneers? 

What Are Dental Veneers

Veneers are essentially thin, durable masks that can be applied to your natural teeth. Once applied to your teeth, the veneers instantly change the appearance of your teeth. Veneers are made of a very thin shell of porcelain, which is carefully selected to match the look and color of your teeth. 

Depending on how they are made and what your needs are, veneers can whiten your teeth, close large gaps between your teeth, change the shape of your teeth, cover up crooked teeth, or fix large cracks or chips. Each veneer will be customized by your dentist from the length and width of the veneer to the overall shape, thickness, and color.

Who is a Good Candidate for Veneers? 

Veneers are a great cosmetic dental treatment that helps people become confident with their smiles again. The following are signs you might be a good candidate for veneers: 

• You want to fix several cosmetic problems with your teeth at once
• You want to fix discolored teeth
• You want to correct stains on your teeth from old fillings
• Ability to avoid chewing on your nails, crunching hard candy or food, or gnawing on pens – these bad habits can damage veneers.
• Sufficient tooth enamel must be present – your natural teeth need to have enough enamel left after the small layer has been removed to create a strong bonding surface for the veneer

Veneers are a great option for many people to correct their smile. Give us a call today at 334-510-3990 to see if veneers are the right choice for you.