Smile Security: Is Cosmetic Dentistry Safe?

Have you been considering upgrading your grin with cosmetic dentistry but have been too anxious to schedule your consultation? If so, you’re not alone! An estimated 36% of Americans are afraid of the dentist, and it’s not uncommon to avoid undergoing procedures if you’re scared that they’ll hurt or are unsafe.

Thankfully, most cosmetic dental services are considered non-invasive and usually don’t require lengthy recovery times. Continue reading to learn more about 3 popular ways to enhance your appearance!

Treatment #1: Teeth Whitening

If you’ve ever heard someone complaining that they developed tooth sensitivity after whitening their teeth, you might worry that brightening your smile could wear down your enamel. Sometimes, store-bought products with cheaper ingredients can cause discomfort if overapplied or misused, leading to a belief that whitening can harm your dental health.

Fortunately, your dentist is a licensed professional with access to concentrated gels designed to minimize potential discomfort. In many cases, they can lighten your teeth by several shades in an hour-long appointment for instant results. This is ideal if you have an upcoming job interview, wedding, or other momentous occasion and want to look your best!

Treatment #2: Direct Bonding

Although whitening can clear away years of exposure to dark foods and drinks, some discoloration originates in the lower layer of your teeth and can’t be addressed topically. If you have stubborn stains, blemishes, chips, cracks, or other minor aesthetic concerns, you might benefit from direct bonding.

For this procedure, your dentist applies tooth-colored resin directly to your teeth, covering or filling in problem areas. Then, they mold it into the ideal shape before bonding it to your enamel using a special ultraviolet curing light. The material can be customized to match your natural pearly whites and can last 10+ years with the right care, making it an excellent long-term solution.

Treatment #3: Porcelain Veneers

Over time, it’s natural for your teeth to sustain damage that leaves them looking worse for wear. Dings, chips, cracks, stains, and other imperfections can pile up, leaving you feeling self-conscious about the state of your smile. If you want to address multiple issues simultaneously, ask your dentist about porcelain veneers.

These thin, ceramic shells are customized to match (or improve) your natural teeth, then are bonded over the front surface to hide problems for flawless results. However, for them to sit flush against your gums, your dentist must remove a small amount of enamel, which does not grow back. Your dentist will numb the area before this preparation so you don’t feel any pain, but you might develop some mild sensitivity after your appointment.

As you can see, there are many safe and pain-free ways your dentist can help you upgrade your appearance to feel like your best self!

About the Practice

At Drew Beaty DDS, people of all ages benefit from two dedicated dentists who offer a wide array of services conveniently under one roof. With multiple decades of combined experience, Dr. Beaty and Dr. Walker can help with everything from basic preventative care to more complicated treatments, including cosmetics. They take the time to learn your unique needs and then create individualized solutions to meet them. If you’re interested in enhancing your smile, you can request a consultation on the website or call (253) 839-6544.