Modern cosmetic dentistry can bring a new shape and shine to a smile, but some people worry that undergoing these treatments might be uncomfortable. The good news is that due to advancements in modern dental procedures, getting your smile enhanced at the dentist’s office is usually painless or near painless. Read on to learn about a few cosmetic dental procedures and how they come with very little discomfort.
Dental Bonding Can Repair Surface Damage
Have you ever chipped or cracked a tooth while chewing, using it to open a bottle, or grinding your teeth in your sleep? Dental bonding is a simple procedure that can repair minor imperfections in a tooth. Your dentist can fix many cracks, chips, stains, and gaps by applying color-matched composite resin to flaws in the tooth. This resin is then sculpted and shaped so that it matches the contours of the natural tooth before being cured with a special UV light. The result is a natural-looking restoration that can be completed in minutes during a routine office visit with absolutely no pain.
Teeth Whitening Can Remove Stains and Discoloration
The pigments and dyes in many foods and beverages like coffee, cola, tea, candy, dark fruits, and wine can accumulate in teeth’s enamel if they are consumed regularly. This can result in staining or discoloration of teeth, but your dentist is prepared to deal with that problem. They can provide in-office teeth-whitening treatments with results far superior to any store-bought whitening products.
After a consultation to confirm your candidacy, your dentist will apply barriers to your mouth to protect the soft tissues from the whitening agent. They will then apply a few coats of it to your teeth and probably follow that up with a fluoride treatment. The worst discomfort you can expect from the procedure is minor sensitivity in the teeth for a few days.
Porcelain Veneers Can Have Your Teeth Covered
Sometimes teeth can be cracked or chipped beyond what dental bonding can repair, or they might have stains that do not respond to whitening. Porcelain veneers can address these issues by giving one or more teeth an entirely new face. They are thin porcelain shells that serve to cover up imperfections, and they can treat many chips, cracks, stains, gaps, and misalignments.
After applying a local anesthetic to the tooth being treated, a dentist will remove a tiny amount of enamel from its surface before taking bite impressions to be sent to a lab. They will then cement a temporary veneer to the tooth which will serve until the permanent one can be placed during a second appointment. This painlessly creates a smile that looks beautiful and natural, but treated teeth might be sensitive to touch and temperature for a few days afterward.
Thanks to modern techniques, cosmetic dentistry can have you looking great without causing any pain. Any discomfort these procedures cause is temporary and rather insignificant, allowing you to be comfortable while making your ideal smile a reality.
About the Author
Dr. Sujal Patel earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from New York University in 2013 and is still furthering his training through continuing education courses. He serves as a member of the American Dental Association, the Texas Dental Association, and the Dallas Local Society. His office in Dallas, TX, offers general, restorative, emergency, and cosmetic dentistry such as dental bonding, teeth whitening, and porcelain veneers. If you’re interested in cosmetic dentistry with minimal discomfort, contact his office online or dial (972) 818-5649.