Do you believe one of these common dentistry myths?

Compared to decades ago, modern general and cosmetic dentistry has truly advanced leaps and bounds, thanks to new research and technology. Because of that, your Greensboro dental team is able to give an exceptional level of care and service, especially in terms of educating you about modern dental practices.

However, despite your dentist’s best efforts, there’s still misinformation out there at a patient level. You might have read an incorrect article online or heard something not factual about a procedure from a friend. It’s even possible that the myth in question may have once been somewhat truthful but is now outdated because of modern dentistry. Either way, you could be unaware that one of your ideas about general or cosmetic dentistry is a myth that’s holding you back from seeking proper care.

Let’s take a look at 6 common myths surrounding general and cosmetic dentistry that need to be debunked.

Myth #1: Wisdom teeth only need to be removed if they feel sore.

Wisdom teeth can cause a lot of pain as they begin to come in, but just because you’re not experiencing soreness now doesn’t mean there won’t be problems in the future.

It’s important to heed your dentist’s advice about your wisdom teeth, especially if your dentist finds risks of impaction based on your X-ray. Left untreated, impacted wisdom teeth can be very painful, cause infection, and even push nearby teeth into misalignment.

Even if X-rays show a low risk of impaction, wisdom teeth removal is often still recommended. Tooth decay on wisdom teeth is a common issue due to how far back these teeth are located in the mouth, making thorough brushing and flossing difficult.

Myth #2: Others will know if you get veneers because they look fake.

The myth of veneers looking fake and the term “Chiclet teeth” being used stems from how veneers looked in the past. While original veneers may have looked harshly noticeable before, our modern-day porcelain veneers are exceptionally natural-looking.

Dr. Farless designs custom porcelain veneers that look very lifelike, right down to the texture of the surface and color gradient. Not only will you be able to get rid of the gaps, chips, discoloration, and other flaws or imbalances within your smile, but anyone new you meet will be none the wiser that your teeth are veneers.

Myth #3: Teeth whitening will make your teeth sensitive and weak.

Not all teeth whitening products are created equal. When it comes to teeth whitening causing damage, it’s often D.I.Y products and overuse that are to blame.

If you want a whiter smile, forget the at-home treatments and seek out professional teeth whitening from a Greensboro dentist instead. Dr. Farless offers two different teeth whitening services, KoR and ZOOM!. Best of all, if you prefer whitening your teeth in the comfort of your own home, Dr. Farless offers take-home treatments to his patients.

By whitening your teeth at Farless Dental Group, you’ll be sure to whiten your teeth effectively, without pain, unusual sensitivity, or enamel damage.

Myth #4: Bleeding from the gums after brushing or flossing is normal.

Just because bleeding from the gums after brushing or flossing is somewhat common doesn’t mean that’s normal and something to ignore. It’s actually a potential warning sign of gingivitis or gum disease.

General dentistry isn’t just about the teeth, it’s also about the periodontal health, meaning the health of your gums and other soft tissues in the mouth. Inflammation in the gums is generally the reason why bleeding occurs after brushing and/or flossing. This inflammation can be due to a number of reasons, but typically, plaque buildup is to blame (one reason why regular cleanings are important). Left untreated, gingivitis can end up turning into periodontal disease.

If you’re having this problem, even if it’s only very light bleeding, you need to schedule an appointment with your Greensboro dentist.

Myth #5: Cosmetic dentistry only changes the aesthetics of your smile.

Cosmetic dentistry might have a focus on enhancing the appearance of your smile, but many of the same procedures also serve to improve or protect your teeth and oral health in general.

For example, a dental implant replacing a missing tooth is considered cosmetic, but it is highly beneficial for keeping your bite properly aligned and your jawbone strong. Receiving porcelain veneers gives you a beautiful smile, but it also helps prevent further wear and tear or enamel erosion from occurring on your existing teeth, potentially saving them from extraction.

Even straightening crooked teeth helps protect your oral health by closing up gaps where trapped bacteria can cause tooth decay.

Myth #6: Straightening crooked teeth with braces is for kids and teens.

The truth is there is no such thing as being “too old” to get braces or similar orthodontic treatment. Age isn’t even a top factor in whether an individual can receive treatment or not. And thanks to the effectiveness of invisible braces, more adults than ever are choosing to straighten their teeth later in life, as they won’t need to wear metal braces.

Dr. Farless offers two types of invisible braces to the Greensboro community: Clear Correct and Six Month Smiles. Both options are similar to Invisalign in terms of having subtle, clear aligners, but they do have their own distinct characteristics. A consultation with Dr. Farless will help you find out whether Clear Correct or Six Month Smiles is the right choice for you.

The Farless Dental team is ready to answer your questions.

Now that these top 6 myths have been debunked, you might have even more questions about general and cosmetic dentistry. Perhaps you’re even interested in pursuing a specific type of service, such as porcelain veneers, because you now understand the truth behind the myths. Either way, our Greensboro dental team at Farless Dental Group is ready to answer your questions.

You can either give us a call, visit our office, or schedule an appointment online right now. You can also visit our New Patient Experience page to learn about becoming a new patient of Dr. Farless, as well as explore our website to see what dental services we offer.