If you’ve been considering upgrading your gorgeous grin with the help of a cosmetic dentistry treatment, you might be hesitant to commit due to fear of discomfort during and after your procedure. While it’s understandable that you might be a little nervous about experiencing unnecessary pain, the good news is that with aesthetic dentistry, most treatments are not only non-invasive, but your teeth should still feel great even after your anesthetic wears off. Here’s a closer look at a few popular options, and what you might feel when you get them!
Veneers
Veneers are thin shells made of porcelain that cover your teeth to improve the appearance of their shape, size, spacing, and color. So that they best fit your teeth, your dentist will need to remove a small amount of enamel from each one receiving treatment. Prior to this step, they will numb your mouth, so you don’t experience any discomfort during the procedure. Once reshaped, you’ll be fitted with temporary veneers. After the numbing wears off, you may experience some minor sensitivity to hot and cold until your permanent restorations are placed (typically, in about two weeks’ time). However, this is usually quite mild and can be easily controlled with OTC pain reliever and by using a sensitive toothpaste.
Teeth Whitening
Because it uses powerful chemicals to penetrate the pores in the enamel to eradicate stains and discoloration, professional teeth whitening can sometimes result in sensitivity after treatment. The good news is that this is also a very temporary side effect, and you can lessen the length of time it extends by brushing with sensitive toothpaste and taking OTC pain medicine as needed. In most cases, it should clear up on its own within about two to three days.
Cosmetic Dental Bonding
Cosmetic dental bonding is a completely painless process. In fact, it requires no numbing whatsoever, and even the curing light used to harden the composite resin cannot be felt. Following treatment, you should have no uncomfortable side effects or sensitivity. In fact, it may make your teeth feel better than they did before your procedure!
All-Ceramic Restorations
Upgrading your older metal restorations to ceramic is an excellent way to create a more attractive smile. For this treatment, your dentist will likely numb your mouth if she needs to remove an older crown or filling. If you are getting a temporary restoration while you wait for your new one to be delivered from the dental lab, you may experience some sensitivity until the final version is placed. However, removing the temporary restoration and replacing it with a newer one should not be painful or require numbing. Should you feel any soreness following treatment, it can be easily treated with an OTC pain reliever like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, but in most cases, this should only last a day or so.
Remember, while fear of pain is understandable, the good news is that most cosmetic dentistry treatments shouldn’t hurt, and any sensitivity or discomfort should be easily manageable with OTC pain relievers and sensitive toothpaste. So, don’t be afraid to upgrade your smile – schedule your consultation for that cosmetic dentistry upgrade today, and get the healthy, happy, pain-free grin you’ve been dreaming of!
About Our Practice
At Ambiance Dental Spa, Dr. Hightower and Dr. Barrow are pleased to offer a menu of cosmetic dentistry options that will give you the gorgeous, glowing grin you’ve been dreaming of. To learn more about your options and see how we can help give you your best smile ever, schedule a consultation for cosmetic dentistry today by visiting our website or calling 301-262-2624.