As someone who has been in practice for over 26 years, D. Gordon Rye, D.D.S., of Rye Smiles for Life, is well aware of the stigmas surrounding cosmetic dentistry. But, after training with some of the world’s most prominent cosmetic dental specialists and devoting himself to quality dentistry, he knows that much of the uneasiness people feel towards dental procedures is based on misconceptions. In an effort to calm any fears you may have about taking the right steps to correct your smile, Dr. Rye dispels some of the most common myths about his industry.
Treatments: No smile is beyond repair, says Dr. Rye, no matter what you have been told in the past. A properly qualified dentist will be able to completely transform the way you see yourself. Just like any visit to the doctor, your cosmetic dentistry experience should be completely catered to your needs. Some of the most popular treatments are:
- Dental bonding: Ideal for anyone looking for a cost-effective way to repair teeth that are discolored, cracked or misaligned. A putty-like material is applied to the tooth and then sculpted to the desired shape. Once hardened, the tooth’s surface is smoothed and polished to a natural appearance.
- Porcelain veneers: Custom-made to fit perfectly over a patient’s original teeth, porcelain veneers are a popular choice if you want to fill in gaps between your teeth, replace missing teeth or repair even a single damaged tooth. Because the porcelain is translucent, the veneers are extremely natural looking and blend in with your surrounding teeth.
- Tooth-colored filling: Unlike silver, magnesium fillings, which have been used for over a century, these white fillings are made from a porcelain-like material and can be closely matched to the color of your existing teeth for a more natural look. Tooth-colored fillings are stain-resistant and remain white and unnoticeable for up to 10 years. You can also use these to replace any existing silver fillings you may already have.
- Teeth whitening: If your teeth have been discolored by coffee, medications, cigarettes, or aging then you may want to consider having them whitened. This powerful but safe bleaching method can get you the gleaming smile you have always desired. Whitening treatments can be done at the dentist’s office or you may choose to purchase an at-home kit.
Vanity: Consulting a dentist does not purely have to be for aesthetic reasons. Many people silently suffer from TMJ, headaches, earaches and neck tension all directly related to their bite and teeth placement. A computer analysis of your jaw and muscle movement can help your dentist decide which treatments will help relieve your persistent pain. A microscopic realignment of your bite can transform the way you feel. How great would it be to close your mouth, relax your jaw and finally feel complete comfort?
Putting off having your teeth properly cared for can also lead to serious health risks. Cavities and rotting teeth that are left untreated can cause infections in the gums that are not only painful but can snowball into other medical issues.
Fear: Dr. Rye says he understands that people are fearful of going to the dentist. But, with all the advances in technology, cosmetic dentistry procedures are a lot faster and a lot less painful than they have been in the past. However, for those who are still too nervous, you should ask your dentist about sedation dentistry. Dr. Rye explains that anxiety should never prevent you from having the beautiful and healthy smile you deserve. During the sedation dentistry process, you will be given a pill to take an hour before your appointment. Upon arriving at the office, you will begin to feel drowsy until you fall into a completely relaxed, but still responsive, state. Sedation dentistry is perfect for anyone who has had a traumatic experience at the dentist in the past, has a sensitive gag reflex, or just wants a relaxing experience.
Cost: It can seem daunting to spend the money from your savings account on a cosmetic dentistry procedure, especially if you have already told yourself that nothing can fix your smile. But, Dr. Rye insists that people don’t realize how easy it is to get your teeth and gums fixed. Many dentist offices will happily devise a finance plan that works best with your income and your needs. Or, if you don’t like the idea of a loan, you can also space out your appointments. This way you are still getting the work done, but at a more gradual pace that will allow you to keep up with the payments.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
