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 determine whether or not it is right for you.
Is Cosmetic Dentistry Safe?
Cosmetic Dentistry is primarily intended to improve the appearance of the tooth. 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 you have a veneer 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 service.
Which Cosmetic Treatments Are Available?
Here are a few common cosmetic dental services:
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!
Cosmetic 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.
Invisalign Clear Aligners
If you’re dealing with misalignment, you don’t need to settle for a mouthful of metal brackets and wires. Invisalign uses a series of clear aligners to slowly shift your teeth to their rightful locations. The best part is that it’s practically invisible. No one will even be able to tell that you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment, making this an ideal option for older teens and adults.
If you aren’t happy with the current state of your smile cosmetic treatment is a safe option when you see a skilled dentist. You will be showing off the smile of your dreams in no time!
About the Author
Dr. Brad Weiss earned his dental doctorate from Indiana University’s School of Dentistry where he was awarded the Dentsply International Merit Award for Prosthodontics. He continued his education at the L.D. Pankey Institute in Florida and is honored to be a part of the Visiting Faculty since 2008. He was inducted as a Fellow into the prestigious American College of Dentists in 2012 and is currently proud to serve on the Chicago Dental Society’s mediation committee. For more information on cosmetic dentistry or to schedule an appointment at his office in Skokie, visit his website or call (847) 864-0188.