Cosmetic dentistry has transformed the smiles of millions of people into beautiful new states, but some prospective patients may be concerned about whether these treatments are safe. The truth is that these procedures are safe, comfortable, and generally noninvasive. Here’s a brief guide to a few popular cosmetic dental procedures as well as how your dentist will ensure your safety and comfort.
Dental Bonding Is Safe, Fast, and Easy
Countless people have unsightly defects such as minor chips, cracks, gaps, and stains in their teeth, and dental bonding is a quick, simple, and effective way to address these issues and improve your smile’s appearance. To perform this procedure, your dentist will apply a small amount of tooth-colored resin to the defect and shape this putty-like substance until it matches the curves of the rest of your smile. After they cure your restoration with a UV light, you’ll be ready to show off your smile.
This treatment usually doesn’t require the alteration of any existing tooth structure, making it so incredibly noninvasive that it doesn’t typically require anesthesia, and it can be completed in minutes during a routine dental appointment. Allergic reactions to composite resin are also remarkably rare, making dental bonding a safe and effective choice for almost any cosmetic dental patient.
Professional Teeth Whitening Is Safe and Noninvasive
You may notice many cheap teeth whitening products at your local supermarket or pharmacy, but these methods sometimes lead to oral injuries due to poor manufacturing or user error. Thankfully, your cosmetic dentist can perform a safe and effective teeth whitening treatment using customized dental trays and concentrated whitening gel to ensure optimal results with minimal risk.
These treatments can take the form of an in-office procedure that can be completed in an hour or a take-home kit that can be completed over the course of about two weeks. In either case, the teeth will be exposed to a controlled amount of whitening agent for a specific amount of time to protect the gums from injury and achieve an even and profound whitening effect. This treatment is painless without anesthesia, and you can handle any temporary sensitivity afterward with over-the-counter pain medication.
Cosmetic dental procedures are safe ways to achieve a more beautiful smile. Consulting with your dentist can help you find out which treatments may be a good fit for you.
About the Author
Dr. Vincenzo Artino earned his dental degree at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine and has extensively studied fixed prosthodontics and cosmetic dentistry. He is proud to serve as a member of the American Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry. His office in Lakewood offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. To book your cosmetic dental consultation, contact his office online or dial (303) 238-2800.