With cosmetic dentistry, the possibilities for improving your smile are seemingly endless. But what many patients wonder when considering this elective branch of oral healthcare is if it’s painful. The great news is that most cosmetic dentistry treatments don’t hurt at all, and any discomfort can be prevented with the help of numbing or even sedation. Here’s a look at a few popular options, and what you can expect to feel if you get them!
Veneers
Veneers are one of the most popular dental treatments available, because they can correct multiple issues in one, including the shape, size, color, and even the spacing of your teeth. To get them, the procedure does require your dentist to remove a small amount of tooth enamel, but before he or she begins, your mouth will be numb first, so you shouldn’t feel anything. Once you’ve been given your temporary veneers, you may experience some mild sensitivity until your more permanent ones are attached, but this is usually well managed with OTC pain relievers and generally goes away once the more permanent prosthetics are in place.
Cosmetic Bonding
Cosmetic bonding is a quick and easy way to repair teeth with chips, uneven wear, or deep stains. Because it uses durable, tooth-colored composite resin, it can be cured in place with a special light and completely painlessly. In most cases, patients don’t even need to be numbed for this treatment, unless their dentist needs to reshape the edge of the tooth prior to rebuilding it.
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening can be done in about two weeks in the comfort of your own house with a custom-made take home kit from your dentist. Because this treatment uses high quality, professional grade ingredients, it can be done much faster and more effectively than those over-the-counter store-bought kits. This means that your teeth are exposed to powerful whitening agents for a lot less time, thereby reducing the risk of sensitivity. For those who do experience any discomfort during use, it can usually be well managed with OTC pain relievers, and patients can help rebuild their enamel and lessen side effects by using sensitive toothpaste for a few weeks before and after.
Other Tips for Reducing Discomfort
Though most cosmetic dentistry treatments are very comfortable, there are a few things you can do to help make your procedure feel more pleasant, including:
- Follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions as closely as possible.
- Brush with a sensitive toothpaste for a few weeks before and after the procedure.
- Avoid hot, cold, acidic, or very sweet foods for a few days after treatment.
- If you are nervous or afraid, speak to your dentist about your sedation dentistry options. Many patients find that nitrous oxide or oral conscious sedation can help make them feel much more comfortable and less tense during treatment, which can vastly improve the entire experience.
Remember, cosmetic dentistry is not usually painful, but there is still plenty you can do to reduce the likelihood of experiencing discomfort during treatment. Speak to your dentist today about your options and soon you’ll have a gorgeous, glowing, pain-free grin you can be proud of!
About Our Practice
At Goodyear Family Dentistry, our trio of caring and skilled dentists are proud to offer a variety of solutions to help give you your best smile ever. Cosmetic dentistry can correct myriad issues ranging from size, shape, color, and spacing of the teeth. If you’ve got something about your own grin that you don’t exactly love, schedule a consultation with us today to learn more about how we can help you. You can request an appointment on our website or call us directly at 520-521-0387.