Are you happy with your appearance when you look at your smile in the mirror? There are a wide range of cosmetic solutions available to help you feel your most confident self. However, you want to ensure that cosmetic dental treatment is in your best interest, and that includes considering the safety of these procedures. Continue reading to learn more about the safety of cosmetic dentistry and the different treatments that are out there.
Is Cosmetic Dentistry Safe?
Cosmetic dentistry is made to improve the appearance of the teeth. Once you are under the care of a trained professional, most cosmetic dental procedures are perfectly safe for the majority of patients. However, not every treatment is right for everyone, so it’s important to attend a consultation so your dentist can examine your smile and give you an honest assessment of what you may and may not benefit from.
Some cosmetic treatments can pose a risk if there are underlying dental issues present. For example, if you have a veneer placed on a tooth with existing decay, it can make the tooth more difficult to treat later on. However, your dentist will plan to address any issues like this before beginning cosmetic treatment.
Which Cosmetic Treatments Are Available?
- Veneers/Lumineers: Veneers and Lumineers are both thin shells that are placed over the front facing surfaces of the teeth to cover up cosmetic imperfections. They are usually used for teeth that are:
- Gapped
- Stained
- Chipped
- Cracked
- Undersized
- Misshapen
- Slightly Crooked.
- Cosmetic Dental Bonding: If you have minimal chips, cracks, strains, or gaps, cosmetic dental bonding can make an excellent, affordable option. Your dentist will use tooth-colored composite resin and sculpt it to your tooth. This procedure typically takes less than an hour and is cost-effective.
- Teeth Whitening: One of the most common cosmetic complaints out there is discoloration of the teeth. With in-office or take-home professional teeth whitening, your smile can be brightened up to eight shades brighter.
- Invisalign: If your teeth are misaligned, you don’t need to endure a mouthful of metal brackets and wires to correct them. Invisalign uses a series of clear aligners to slowly shift your teeth into their rightful locations. The best part is that it’s practically invisible!
- Smile Makeovers: A smile makeover combines restorative and cosmetic treatments to completely transform the health and appearance of your smile.
If you aren’t happy with how your smile looks, schedule a consultation with your dentist. This way, you can discuss the goals you have for your teeth and put together a plan to best meet your needs.
About the Author
Dr. Adriana Zaharie is an experienced dentist who has been working in the field for more than two decades! She first earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Antioquia before earning her Doctor of Dental Medicine from the Advanced Standing Program at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. Today, she continues to attend advanced post-doctoral study programs, including the Periodontist Study Club and Viva Dental Seminars. To learn more about cosmetic dentistry or to schedule a consultation at her office in Katy, visit her website or call (281) 395-2100.