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 will last:
   1. Six months
   2. Ten years
   3. Forever
   4. Depends on the patient
   5. B and D
4. A smile makeover requires approximately:
   1. Three Weeks
   2. Three months
   3. Six months
   4. One day
   5. All of the above
5. To repair chips in my teeth, I need:
   1. Veneers
   2. Bonding
   3. Invisalign
   4. A and B
   5. None of the above
6. Porcelain veneers don't lay flat in line with surrounding teeth, so they look fake close up.
   1. True
   2. False
7. I'll be viewed as vain and indulgent if I get a smile makeover.
   1. True
   2. False
8. I should seek a licensed dentist with advanced training in cosmetic dentistry for my smile enhancements.
   1. True
   2. False
9. I should bring magazine clippings of smiles I like to my cosmetic consultation.
   1. True
   2. False
10. 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.
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 – Ten Years and Depends on the patient. Teeth bleaching, also called teeth whitening, can last ten years or more 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 their teeth.
4. E – All of the above. This depends on the options that you and your cosmetic dentist have determined will be the best solution for your needs.
5. D – Veneers or bonding. Your dentist will help you determine which solution is best for your situation. Veneers can last 15 years or more, whereas bonding lasts about 7 to 10 years with proper care.
6. B – False. Traditional porcelain veneers require a slight 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 and yet are very thin and strong.
7. B – 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'll probably ask for your dentist's phone number!
8. A – True. 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 and join the AACD to network with other cosmetic dentists. Choose your cosmetic dentist based on his or her reputation, before-and-after photos, and your comfort level with the dentist and the 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 "Trial Smile" to see if you could benefit before committing to treatment.
10. A – True. Your dentist can replace amalgam fillings with tooth-colored composite resin or porcelain 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!

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