Many people want their teeth to be prettier but are understandably concerned about having them modified. It is good and honorable to be protective of one’s smile, and no dentist will ever tell you that you should approach cosmetic dental alterations casually. However, the truth is that cosmetic dental procedures are completely safe for almost all patients. Here’s what you need to know about the safety of a few common cosmetic dental treatments.
Teeth Whitening Isn’t So Frightening
Do you worry about your teeth appearing stained or discolored? Your dentist can provide you with a take-home teeth whitening kit that is far superior to any whitening product you could buy in a store. The kit comes with professional-grade whitening gel and dental trays customized to fit your teeth. All you need to do is apply the gel to the trays and wear them over your teeth for one hour every day for two weeks, making your teeth up to ten shades whiter. Because the trays are designed to fit your teeth, your gums are protected from exposure to the whitening agent.
Porcelain Veneers Are Nothing to Fear
If your teeth are misshapen or show extensive damage like cracks, chips, or stains that do not respond to whitening, porcelain veneers can give you that movie star-level smile you’ve always dreamed of. Veneers are thin shells customized to mimic the color, luster, and shape of your natural teeth, and they can be applied using only local anesthesia. Your doctor only has to shave off a tiny amount of enamel to make room before cementing your veneers into place. The process can safely transform your smile into a new and beautiful shape in as few as two appointments.
Metal-Free Crowns Are Perfectly Sound
Traditional crowns are made of metals like gold or nickel, and though they have served many people well for decades, they come with a set of drawbacks. They are conspicuous, they can painfully expand, contract, or warp due to temperature changes, and they can be irritating for people with metal allergies or sensitivities. Modern ceramic crowns, on the other hand, contain no metal, retain their size and shape in all habitable temperatures, and are completely indistinguishable to the casual observer. That’s a lot of protection that the older models don’t provide.
Since no method is right for everyone, any cosmetic dental procedure will be preceded by a thorough examination from a dentist to confirm that you are a good candidate. This is the key part of the process that protects your smile from anything that could harm it during treatment. You can rest assured that your smile is perfectly safe in the hands of a licensed dental professional.
About the Author
Dr. Sara E. Curcio graduated from the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine in 2006 before completing her residency training at Hartford Hospital. She is a proud member of the Academy of General Dentistry, the Connecticut State Dental Association, and the American Dental Association. Her practice in South Windsor, CT offers preventive, restorative, emergency, and cosmetic dentistry such as the treatments listed here. For more information about the safety of cosmetic dentistry, contact her office online or dial (860) 644-2476.