On television we frequently see dramatic smile makeovers, usually with equally dramatic price tags! It all makes for Great TV but is a bit depressing for the rest of us who might not be able to afford Harley Street prices. What you don't see is that many dentists who believe in saving teeth worry that the amount of tooth drilled away during some cosmetic treatments can be harmful in the long run.

There are real alternatives to traditional cosmetic dentistry, which can produce beautiful results, often with less tooth removal, lower costs and less risk of long term harm. So enjoy this article where we share 4 mistakes to avoid with your smile.

Mistake 1 Assuming that the treatment will last for ever

Sadly not true, the only permanent treatment is an extraction (ouch!) definitely something to be avoided. So how long will your cosmetic treatment last? It is actually very difficult to predict the life expectancy of any dental treatment let alone cosmetic dentistry. A lot will depend on things that your dentist can do such as assessing how your bite works, and making sure that conditions inside your mouth are right for cosmetic dental treatment. How you look after it and are helped to look after it is equally important.
Let's assume that your new porcelain veneers using a lot of tooth drilling are exceptionally well done and are going to last for 7-10 years. How many times will these have to be replaced in your lifetime and what will the total cost of this be over the next 30 40 or 50 years?

Tip ? ask your dentist what ?guarantees he / she will provide? after placing your new veneers

Solution ? look for cosmetic treatments that are kind to teeth, that involve as little drilling or preferably no drilling away of teeth. Look for materials that can be repaired invisibly or made as ?good as new? to extend their lifespan.

Mistake 2 Ignoring the most obvious solution

Very often we have been asked to help patients get whiter teeth by placing veneers. As a starting point we usually recommend a tooth whitening procedure. When done professionally it is a safe and effective process. There are some whitening agents that can bleach or burn the gums too so it is important that these are avoided. Over the counter bleaching systems will not achieve the same results as a professional system.

Tip- Not all tooth whitening providers are created equal at present it is illegal in the UK for anyone who is not a dentist to carry out tooth whitening. This makes it very difficult for you to gain redress should an inexperienced operator make a mistake. Dentist are registered with the General Dental Council who are there to protect patients they also carry professional insurance for your benefit, giving you peace of mind that your treatment will be both safe and effective.