Cosmetic dentistry can do a lot for your smile. It can whiten, straighten, reshape, or restore teeth that have seen better days. But like any medical procedure, it’s not perfect. There are risks and side effects, and it’s not always a one-time fix.

Before you book an appointment for veneers, whitening, or any other treatment, it’s important to know what could go wrong, and what the limits really are.

Whitening can cause sensitivity

Teeth whitening is one of the most common cosmetic treatments. It works by using peroxide-based products to remove stains from the outer layers of your teeth. But for some people, that process can make teeth feel sensitive to hot or cold.

The American Dental Association says this sensitivity is usually temporary. It often fades after a day or two. But if your teeth are already sensitive or you overuse whitening products, the discomfort can stick around longer or become more intense.

People who use store-bought whitening strips too often may also risk damaging their enamel. That’s the protective outer layer of your teeth. Once enamel wears down, it doesn’t grow back.

Veneers aren’t reversible

Porcelain veneers can make your smile look straighter, whiter, and more even. They cover the front of your teeth with thin, custom-made shells. The results can be impressive—but they come with a permanent trade-off.

To place veneers, a dentist removes a layer of enamel from the front of your teeth. That enamel is gone for good. If a veneer ever cracks, falls off, or wears out, you’ll need to replace it. You can't go back to your natural tooth once it's been prepared for a veneer.

Veneers also don’t last forever. According to the Cleveland Clinic, they typically hold up for 10 to 15 years. After that, they may need to be replaced, which adds to the long-term cost.

Bonding can stain and chip

Dental bonding is a fast, affordable way to fix chips, cracks, or small gaps. A tooth-colored resin is applied, shaped, and hardened with a special light. It looks natural and doesn’t usually require numbing.

But bonding isn’t as strong as your natural teeth. The material can chip or wear down over time, especially if you bite your nails or chew on pens. It can also stain more easily than your real teeth, especially if you drink a lot of coffee or red wine.

Bonding is best for small fixes and isn’t usually recommended for major cosmetic changes. It also tends to last only 3 to 10 years before needing a touch-up or replacement.

Not everyone is a good candidate

Some cosmetic procedures only work if your teeth and gums are healthy. If you have gum disease, untreated cavities, or worn-down enamel, you might not qualify right away. Your dentist may recommend treating those problems first.

For example, people with gum recession or thin enamel might not do well with whitening or veneers. And if you grind your teeth at night, veneers or bonding may crack under pressure unless you also wear a night guard.

Clear aligners like Invisalign also have limits. They can correct mild or moderate alignment issues, but more serious cases still need traditional braces. Skipping your aligners or not wearing your retainer afterward can undo all your progress.

Costs can add up… and insurance usually won’t help - but others can

Cosmetic procedures can be pricey. Veneers can cost $1,000 or more per tooth. Whitening treatments can run from $100 to $500 or more, depending on the method. Bonding is more affordable but may need to be redone more often.

Most dental insurance plans do not cover cosmetic work. They only pay for procedures that are medically necessary. That means you’ll likely pay out of pocket for anything that’s purely for looks.

The good news is that many dental offices offer financing options. Some work with third-party lenders, or offer in-house payment plans that let you split the cost over several months. This can make larger treatments more manageable, especially if you're combining multiple procedures.

And if something goes wrong, such as a veneer breaking or bonding staining too quickly, the cost of fixing it can add up fast.

Cosmetic dentistry doesn’t fix everything

It can make your teeth look better. But it doesn’t cure cavities. It won’t stop gum disease. And it doesn’t replace good oral hygiene.

A whiter smile still needs brushing, flossing, and regular checkups. Straight teeth can still develop decay. And if your bite is off or your jaw hurts, cosmetic changes won’t solve the deeper issue.

Even the best dental work can fail if your overall oral health isn’t strong. That’s why dentists always recommend a full exam before starting cosmetic treatment.

Our final thoughts

Cosmetic dentistry has helped a lot of people feel better about their smiles. But it’s not magic. There are risks, trade-offs, and limits to what it can do.

The best results come when you know what to expect. And when you read articles like this and you’re working with a dentist who’s honest about what’s right for your specific teeth, you will.

A balanced view of multiple procedures helps inform the one you choose to go with. Take our quiz to be matched with a dental aestheticist that's right for you based on what you need.

Sources

Read more about this in the links below.

• American Dental Association: https://www.ada.org/resources/research/science-and-research-institute/oral-health-topics/tooth-whitening

• Cleveland Clinic: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/11095-dental-veneers

• Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/dental-bonding/about/pac-20384634

• National Institutes of Health: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10134595/

• Harvard Health Publishing: https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/what-to-know-about-cosmetic-dental-procedures-2020022718961