Pain prevents a lot of patients from getting the dental care they need – and from getting the dental cosmetics they want. It’s understandable if one of the first questions you have about cosmetic dentistry is whether your treatment will be painful or not.
Fortunately, most of these types of treatments are conservative and don’t require much poking or prodding. Plus, modern technology has made dentistry more comfortable than ever before! Keep reading to learn more.
Minimal Cosmetic Dentistry Options
These treatments require little-to-no alteration to your natural teeth. A local anesthetic is typically used to numb the mouth during part of the porcelain veneer process, but even then most patients remark that their experience was quite painless. Here’s the full list:
- Porcelain Veneers. Natural teeth do have to be shaved down ever-so-slightly to ensure a proper fit. But then thin, porcelain shells are adhered to the front-facing portion of the teeth, essentially replacing the lost enamel.
- At-Home Teeth Whitening. Very simple – your dentist will provide you with a set of customized trays and a professional-grade whitening agent. You’ll apply the agent to the trays and wear them as directed. That’s it!
- Direct Bonding. A tooth-colored resin will be molded over cracks or used to fill in chips and gaps. Once the resin cures, it will be almost indistinguishable from natural enamel.
Modern Technology that Promotes Comfort
Dentistry has come a long way since the time when your barber would also be the one to pull your teeth. For example:
- Digital X-Rays use far less radiation than the traditional kind, meaning you won’t have to wear a vest during your pre-treatment exam.
- Intraoral cameras are thin, wand-like rods with a camera on the end that allow your dentist to take pictures of your mouth without triggering the gag reflex.
- Digital impression systems replace the gray putty you might be familiar with if you ever had braces. Now your dentist can simply snap a picture and use advanced software to design your dental cosmetics.
Modern technology truly improves patient comfort from start to finish.
Find the Best Cosmetic Dental Treatment for Your Smile
If you’re worried about discomfort during cosmetic dentistry treatment, talk to your dentist. They can not only help you choose the option you’re most comfortable with, but also customize your experience to be as positive as possible. Rest assured, cosmetic dentistry is the most accessible category in the field!
About the Author
Dr. Vy Tran is a talented dentist with a patient-centered philosophy. She finds it rewarding to help people transform their smiles, and goes out of her way to make sure they have a positive experience in the process. To schedule your comfortable cosmetic dental treatment today, contact Dr. Tran’s office at 410-729-9090.