Cosmetic dentistry can be an attractive option for anyone bothered by stains, cracks, and other aesthetic flaws on their smile. However, some people are reluctant to have cosmetic dentistry performed because they’re concerned about discomfort. Is this really something you need to be worried about? Here’s what you should know before you start the process of enhancing your smile.
Cosmetic Dentistry: Is It Painful?
The fact of the matter is that no matter what kind of cosmetic dental treatment you decide to pursue, your dentist will always make your comfort a priority. As such, they’ll do whatever they can to keep your discomfort to a minimum; in many cases, this involves using a local anesthetic to numb your mouth. On top of that, many cosmetic dentistry treatments are noninvasive and don’t involve much discomfort to begin with.
What are Some Painless Cosmetic Dental Treatments?
If you want an example of a cosmetic dental treatment that will cause little to no discomfort, you need look no further than teeth whitening. This procedure is very popular among those who want to brighten their smiles. The treatment itself should be pain-free; your teeth may be mildly sensitive afterward, but this is a temporary side effect that should fade over time.
Direct bonding is also notable for how comfortable it is. The procedure is very quick and can be a great way to correct small gaps between your teeth, slight chips, and other minor cosmetic flaws. There’s so little discomfort involved that a local anesthetic is often unnecessary.
Finally, patients who are thinking about making multiple corrections to their teeth will likely want to consider getting veneers. While placing veneers does involve removing some enamel from the teeth, the area will be numbed beforehand for your comfort.
What About Cosmetic Dental Treatments That Cause More Discomfort?
Certain cosmetic dental treatments, such as metal-free dental crowns, may cause a bit of soreness afterward. Said soreness can potentially last a few days, but you should be able to manage it with the right steps. Taking over-the-counter pain medication can often help. You should also follow any recovery tips that your dentist gives you; this can include giving yourself plenty of time to rest or using a cold compress.
Cosmetic dentistry can be the key to finally achieving the smile that you’ve always wanted, and you shouldn’t let any fears of discomfort stand in the way of that. Talk to your dentist to find out how they can help make the process of enhancing your grin as smooth and stress-free as possible!
About the Author
Dr. John Petty is a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, and he has served as the General Chairman of the Annual Session of the Tennessee Dental Association. He greatly values being able to bring his patients the highest quality dental care possible, and he’s proud to offer various cosmetic dentistry treatments such as teeth whitening and veneers. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Petty at Petty Dental in Tullahoma, visit his website or call (931) 454-9499.