When you smile at yourself in the mirror, are you happy with what you see? If you are self-conscious about the appearance of your teeth, there are various cosmetic solutions available to help you achieve the look you’ve been dreaming of. To ensure that cosmetic dentistry is in your best interest, you should evaluate all of the risks as well. Read on to learn more about cosmetic dentistry, its safety, and which treatments are available.
Is Cosmetic Dentistry Safe?
Cosmetic dentistry is made to enhance the appearance of the teeth. Once you are under the care of a trained professional, most cosmetic dental treatments are perfectly safe for most patients. However, not every treatment is ideal for everyone, so it’s important that you attend a consultation with your dentist to discuss your goals. At this point, your dentist will examine your smile to give you an honest assessment of which procedures may or may not be ideal for you.
Some cosmetic treatments can pose a risk if you have an underlying dental problem. For example, if you get teeth whitening on a tooth with a cavity, this can aggravate the issue, leading to discomfort. However, your dentist will plan to address any problems like this before beginning cosmetic treatment.
What Cosmetic Treatments Are Available?
- Dental Bonding: If you are dealing with minimal chips, gaps, stains, or cracks, dental bonding can be an excellent, affordable solution. Your dentist will use a tooth-colored composite resin and sculpt it to the tooth. This typically takes less than an hour and is cost-effective.
- Teeth Whitening: One of the most common complaints people have about their teeth is discoloration. With a professional take-home teeth whitening kit from your dentist, your smile can be dramatically whitened in just a couple of weeks. It includes custom whitening trays and a bleaching gel much stronger than anything you can find over-the-counter.
- Metal-Free Restorations: If you have old metal restorations or teeth that need to be repaired, you may be a good candidate for metal-free restorations. They are made from 100% dental porcelain, so they perfectly mimic the color and strength of real tooth enamel, leaving you with a strong, natural-looking smile!
Cosmetic dentistry has so many benefits, but it isn’t right for everyone. If you aren’t happy with the appearance of your teeth, schedule a consultation with your dentist. This way, you can put together a plan that safely meets your needs!
About the Author
Dr. Dustin C. Lively earned his dental doctorate from the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry. Since then, he has been committed to continuing education to keep his knowledge and skills sharp. To learn more about cosmetic dentistry or to schedule a consultation at his office in Mangum, visit his website or call (580) 782-2552.