Cosmetic Dentistry Quiz

1. A smile with misaligned front teeth can be made straight with:
   1. Braces
   2. Veneers
   3. invisalign™
   4. All of the above
   5. None of the above
2. Cosmetic dentistry is not affordable for people without dental insurance.
   1. True
   2. False
3. Teeth bleaching lasts:
   1. Six months
   2. One year
   3. Forever
   4. Depends on the patient
   5. All of the above
4. To repair chips in my teeth, I need:
   1. Veneers
   2. Bonding
   3. invisalign™
   4. A and B
   5. None of the above
5. Porcelain veneers don't lay flat in line with surrounding teeth, so they look fake close up.
   1. True
   2. False
6. I'll be viewed as vain and indulgent if I get a smile makeover.
   1. True
   2. False
7. I should seek a licensed cosmetic dentist for my smile enhancements.
   1. True
   2. False
8. I should bring magazine clippings of smiles I like to my cosmetic consultation.
   1. True
   2. False
9. My existing metal crowns and fillings can be replaced with all-white alternatives.
   1. True
   2. False

Answers

1. D – All of the above. Traditional braces, invisalign™ clear braces, or veneers (instant orthodontics) can make your crooked smile straight. Talk with your dentist to learn which solution will work best with your unique situation. Braces can take years, while clear braces usually require 12 to 18 months. Instant orthodontics can straighten your smile in just two visits, though.
2. B – False. Insurance does not cover cosmetic dental procedures. However, trusted third party financing institutions like CareCredit offer no-interest loans for qualifying patients.
3. E – 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.
4. A – Three weeks. With porcelain veneers, your new smile will be permanently in place after just two visits to your cosmetic dentist.
5. D – Veneers or bonding. Your dentist will help you determine which solution is best for your situation.
6. B – 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.
7. B – False. According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, 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'll probably ask for your dentist's phone number!
8. B – False. Cosmetic dentistry is not a specialty recognized by the American Dental Association, so a dentist cannot be licensed to practice it. However, general dentists can attend postgraduate education in the latest cosmetic dental procedures. Prosthodontists are specialists, who have undergone additional post-graduate training to master challenging esthetic cases. Choose your cosmetic dentist based on his or her before-and-after photos and your comfort level with the dentist and team.
9. A – 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 a wax up so that you can see the expected results before committing to treatment.
10. A – 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!