More and more people are turning to cosmetic dentistry to boost their confidence and help them overcome their insecurities. However, before you decide to pay for a cosmetic dental treatment, you should consider the pros and cons. Cosmetic dentistry can improve your self-esteem and quality of life, but it is important for you to be aware of the pros and cons before committing to any cosmetic procedures.
Table of Contents
Pros
Increase Self-Esteem
Dental issues can impact your self-confidence and even your career. While it is not right to judge by appearances, many people still do, and there have been reports of people losing out on promotions or job opportunities because of judgment about their teeth.
After undergoing cosmetic dental treatment, the growth in your confidence will be a welcome respite from years of frowning at the camera because you’re afraid to smile or covering your mouth when you laugh. You deserve to be carefree and enjoy life, without worrying about others judging your smile.
Counteract Aging
Our teeth pick up wear and tear over the course of our lives. For many people, this is an area where aging is the most noticeable. Staining, chips, and even missing teeth can all make you look older than you actually are.
Cosmetic dentistry can counteract some of the damage that aging has done to your teeth, taking the years off of your smile. It will also boost your confidence, and give you a glowing, youthful smile!
Provide Motivation
People who invest in cosmetic dentistry are more likely to see taking care of their dental health as managing an investment, not as a chore to be avoided. They are more likely to brush and floss regularly and visit the dentist. Since oral health conditions correlate to more serious health issues, such as diabetes, this can lead to better overall health.
Cons
The Cost
Some cosmetic dental treatments, such as veneers, cost thousands of dollars. While sometimes you can get part of those procedures covered, often insurance will not approve coverage for procedures done for aesthetic purposes only.
Before you install braces or start a multi-step teeth whitening program, you should check that you have enough money saved up to cover the whole procedure, including any emergency repairs that may arise. You don’t want to get halfway through and then realise that you cannot pay for the rest of the procedure.
The Permanence
Once you start on a cosmetic dental treatment, there is no going back or changing your mind. Some, such as orthodontics treatments, require you to stick to the procedure for a year or more. Others, such as veneers, require permanent changes to your teeth. Be ready for several years’ worth of appointments, maintenance costs, and more to fulfil your cosmetic dreams.
The Dental Damage
What is beautiful is not always healthy, and unfortunately, cosmetic dentistry also follows this maxim. Some cosmetic procedures can damage the health of your teeth and gums as a side effect. For example, if you whiten your teeth regularly, you will have more sensitive teeth. You will also need to restrict your diet by avoiding extreme temperatures and food that can stain.
Some cosmetic dental procedures may cause structural damage to your mouth. For example, when dental surgeons install a crown, they have to drill into healthy parts of the tooth, causing unnecessary damage to what was previously strong enamel. More invasive procedures, such as implants, have the same side effects as other oral surgeries, including possible infections and bleeding.
Before any dental procedure, including a cosmetic dental one, you should weigh potential damages and side effects before committing to a change.
Speak To Your Dentist Today
Just like with any type of procedure, there are pros and cons to choosing a cosmetic dentistry treatment. Veneers, crowns, and other treatments can boost your self-esteem, inspire you to take better care of your health, and counteract aging. However, they are expensive, permanent, and depending on your circumstances, can damage your teeth. Before any treatment, talk with your dentist about what is right for you and your health.