As humans, we tend to naturally avoid things we know will cause pain. Unfortunately, however, sometimes a little discomfort is unavoidable. But when it comes to cosmetic dentistry, there’s nothing to fear but fear itself. Here’s why you shouldn’t be afraid to improve your smile with these popular procedures.
Veneers
Veneers are wafer-thin porcelain shells that fit over your existing healthy teeth to create a whiter, brighter appearance. They can even make minor changes to the shape and size of your teeth. To apply them, your dentist will need to remove a slight layer of enamel from each treated tooth, but this is the only intervention required. Removing such a small layer of enamel should not cause any pain, however your dentist will numb your mouth beforehand and you should not experience much discomfort once the anesthetic wears off (if any at all).
Direct Bonding
Direct bonding uses the same resin composite material used in fillings to rebuild broken or worn teeth. This putty-like material does not hurt to apply and is solidified with a special light that is also painless. The entire procedure can be done on the same day and should not hurt at all.
Professional Teeth Whitening
Professional whitening is usually done in-office with a special gel and light combination that does not hurt. It is not uncommon for patients to experience a bit of tooth sensitivity for a few days after the procedure, however this is temporary, and you can reduce your risk of experiencing it by avoiding very cold or very hot foods and beverages immediately after your treatment.
For take-home whitening kits, you may also experience similar sensitivity, however it should subside once your treatment is complete.
Metal-Free Restorations
If you have old metal fillings you’d like to replace with new resin composite fillings, your dentist will likely provide a local anesthetic to help reduce your risk of any pain during the procedure. Once the anesthetic wears off, you should not experience any pain, and if you do it should go away within a day or so. In the meantime, you can ease symptoms with an over-the-counter pain medication.
Remember, cosmetic dentistry procedures are usually well-tolerated and cause minimal discomfort. If you are concerned about pain, speak to your dentist before your treatment to discuss your anesthesia or sedation options, and you can expect to have a comfortable, effective experience with beautiful results!
About Our Practice
At Transforming Smiles, our team strives to help you improve your oral health so you can feel confident sharing your smile with the world. We work with you to ensure that you are comfortable in our care, and that you’re getting the results you want without recommending any treatment you don’t truly need.
To schedule an appointment for cosmetic dentistry, please visit our website or call us today at 770-995-7616.