If you aren’t entirely confident about the appearance of your smile, you will be pleased to know that there are a variety of cosmetic solutions available that can enhance the natural beauty of your pearly whites. However, you want to ensure that getting cosmetic dental treatment is in your best interest. Continue reading to learn more about the safety of cosmetic dentistry so you can determine whether or not it is right for you.
Is Cosmetic Dentistry Safe?
Cosmetic dentistry is primarily intended to improve the appearance of the teeth. As long as you are under the care of a trained professional, most cosmetic dental procedures are safe for the majority of patients, but not every treatment is right for everyone. That’s why it’s so important that your dentist examines your mouth beforehand and gives you an honest assessment of which procedures would be ideal for you.
Some cosmetic services can pose a risk if an underlying oral health issue is present. For instance, if a veneer is placed over a tooth with untreated decay, this can make the tooth more difficult to treat later on. However, your dentist will plan to address these types of problems before getting started with any type of cosmetic treatment.
What Cosmetic Services Are Available?
Here are some of the most common cosmetic dental services available:
Teeth Whitening
You don’t usually get the results you’re looking for with over-the-counter teeth whitening products. Professional teeth whitening is a safe option with much more effective results. You can choose between in-office or at-home whitening. Those who pick in-office whitening will see results in about an hour, while patients who opt for at-home whitening will be able to see their brighter smiles in a couple of weeks.
Veneers
Veneers are thin shells of dental grade porcelain that are bonded to the front surface of the teeth to cover up all sorts of different aesthetic flaws, including:
- Gaps
- Stains
- Chips
- Cracks
- Undersized/misshapen teeth
- Slightly crooked teeth
During your initial visit, a small portion of the protective enamel is removed to make room for the veneers. An impression is then taken and sent off to the dental lab where the permanent ones are crafted. In just a few weeks, they are permanently cemented to the teeth, and you leave the office with a perfected smile!
Direct Bonding
If you have minimal chips, cracks, stains, or gaps, cosmetic bonding makes an excellent, yet affordable option. Your dentist will use a tooth-colored composite resin and sculpt it to your tooth. This procedure typically takes less than an hour and it is cost-effective.
Gum Recontouring
If you feel that your smile is too “gummy,” gum contouring may be able to help. Using a precise dental laser, your dentist can remove excess gum tissue to reveal more of your pearly whites beneath. These results are permanent, so you don’t need to worry about any of the tissue growing back!
If you’re unhappy with your smile, cosmetic treatment is a safe option when you see a skilled dentist. You will be showing off your smile with pride in no time!
About the Author
Dr. David Crumpton is an experienced dentist who has been serving Trophy Club and surrounding communities for nearly three decades. He earned his dental doctorate from the Baylor College of Dentistry and is committed to continuing education to keep his knowledge and skills sharp. He has completed courses at prestigious institutions such as UT San Antonio, the Pikos Institute, Lamar Dental Implant Training, and the Kois Center. He is also a certified Gold Provider of Invisalign. To learn more about cosmetic dentistry or to schedule a consultation at his office in Trophy Club, visit his website or call (817) 491-3355.
