Take the quiz and see how much you know about cosmetic dentistry! For more information about cosmetic dentistry, contact Dr. Mace and his team at James G. Mace DDS in Washington, Missouri, today!
A smile with misaligned front teeth can be made straight with:
Correct answer: All of the above. Traditional braces, Invisalign clear braces, or veneers can make your crooked smile straight. Talk with Dr. Mace to learn which solution will work best with your unique situation.
Cosmetic dentistry is not affordable for people without dental insurance.
Correct answer: False. Insurance does not cover most cosmetic dental procedures. However, trusted third party financing institutions like CareCredit offer low or no-interest loans for qualifying patients.
Teeth bleaching lasts:
Correct answer: All of the above. Teeth bleaching, also called teeth whitening, can last indefinitely if you use take-home trays to touch up your smile. Patients who eat staining foods, drink dark beverages, smoke, or take some medications are more prone to re-staining teeth.
A smile makeover requires approximately:
Correct answer: It depends on the patient's unique situation. Some cases require extensive planning while others are more straight forward and require only a few visits.
Porcelain veneers do not lay flat in line with surrounding teeth, so they look fake close up.
Correct answer: False. Traditional porcelain veneers require some reduction of natural tooth enamel prior to placement so that they will lie flat in line with surrounding teeth. Modern materials and layering techniques make porcelain veneers look completely natural.
I will be viewed as vain and indulgent if I get a smile makeover.
Correct answer: False. According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), millions of Americans received cosmetic dental enhancements last year and numbers are still on the rise. Another AACD study tells us that people with an attractive smile are considered friendly, intelligent, and successful. People who care about their image turn to cosmetic dentistry for smile enhancement, so you have no need to worry about how others will perceive you after your smile makeover. They will probably ask for Dr. Mace's phone number!
I should seek a licensed cosmetic dentist for my smile enhancements.
Correct answer: False. Cosmetic dentistry is not a specialty recognized by the American Dental Association (ADA), so a dentist cannot be licensed to practice it. However, general dentists can attend postgraduate education in the latest cosmetic dental procedures and join the AACD to network with other cosmetic dentists. Choose your cosmetic dentist based on his or her before-and-after photos and your comfort level with the dentist and team.
I should bring magazine clippings of smiles I like to my cosmetic consultation.
Correct answer: True. Your cosmetic dentist will want to know what your idea of a beautiful smile is. By bringing photos of smiles you like, your dentist can see what you have in mind and make recommendations based on your preferences. Ask about digital imaging or wax-up so that you can see the expected results before committing to treatment.
My existing metal crowns and fillings can be replaced with all-white alternatives.
Correct answer: True. Your dentist can replace amalgam fillings with tooth-colored composite resin or porcelain inlays and onlays. Ceramic or porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns can replace your existing metal crowns, as well. You can reclaim your all-white smile with modern esthetic restorations!
