For people who are dissatisfied with the way their smiles look, there are many cosmetic dentistry services to choose from. These treatments are great ways to beautify your smile and improve your self-confidence. However, many patients hesitate to go through with cosmetic dentistry because they’re under the impression that the procedure will be painful. Keep reading as a cosmetic dentist answers the question of whether getting cosmetic dental work done hurts.
Does Cosmetic Dentistry Hurt?
Despite the apprehension that some patients may have, cosmetic dentistry procedures should not be painful in the slightest. Recent advancements in dental technology allow treatments to be much less invasive than ever before. This not only reduces any discomfort you may feel during your procedure, but allows you to retain more of your natural tooth structure.
Your cosmetic dentist can administer a local anesthetic if they believe a certain procedure will result in discomfort. Moreover, they might offer sedation options to further ensure your comfort and minimize the risk of pain.
Types of Cosmetic Dentistry Services
While you shouldn’t feel pain during your procedure, certain treatments may result in soreness or sensitivity afterward. This varies based on which procedure you’re undergoing. Some examples of cosmetic treatments include:
Porcelain Veneers
Wafer-thin shells are bonded to the front surfaces of teeth to mask virtually all aesthetic flaws at once. However, a sliver of enamel must be shaved off to make room for the veneers. While the procedure shouldn’t hurt thanks to local anesthetic, your teeth may be sore for the next couple of days.
Dental Crowns
A crown covers the entire visible section of a tooth rather than just the front, protecting it from damage while also improving its appearance. Like with veneers, your dentist will numb your tooth before removing some enamel, and you may be sore afterward.
Teeth Whitening
Although over-the-counter teeth whitening products notoriously cause sensitivity, professional whitening is specially formulated to reduce discomfort. Unless you had sensitive teeth beforehand, it shouldn’t be a problem after treatment.
Invisalign
These clear aligners exert a gentle pressure on your teeth to straighten them. As a result, you may feel sore when you first start wearing the trays, but once the first week has passed, the rest of your Invisalign treatment should be smooth sailing.
Talk to Your Cosmetic Dentist Today!
Cosmetic dentistry procedures can sound painful to those who don’t know much about them. However, most of these treatments are minimally invasive, making them painless.
If you’re interested in getting cosmetic dental work done, ask your dentist for more information regarding the procedure. Also, find out whether they can offer sedation to relax you. It could help you get the smile of your dreams!
About the Author
Dr. Patrick Pirkle is a family and cosmetic dentist in Sebastian, FL who earned his doctorate degree from the Nova Southeastern University Dental School. He has almost two decades of experience in helping patients transform their smiles. His practice offers all of the cosmetic services described above and many more, including nitrous oxide sedation. To learn which one would be right for you, he can be reached via his website or at (772) 388-0088.