Dental anxiety comes from many places: bad past experiences, stories of others, and depictions in popular media to name a few. Anxiety can stop patients from reaching their goals, but if you’re trying to achieve the bright smile you’ve always wanted, there may be a solution.
Below are three cosmetic dentistry treatments that are minimally invasive and can provide a lasting impact on your confidence and oral health. If you want to learn more about these treatments, continue reading. Each one can change your smile for the better.
Treatment 1: Teeth Whitening
For centuries, whiter teeth have been associated with wealth, power, success, and health. Sometimes all you need to be happier with your grin is to whiten your teeth. Your dentist may offer in-office whitening powered by hydrogen peroxide.
This chemical penetrates the pores of your teeth to cleanse them from years of staining from food, wine, and coffee. This will leave your teeth several shades whiter in as little as one visit. All it takes is a tray of whitening agents and a light to activate it.
If you don’t want to be in the office due to your anxiety, your dentist may also offer take-home whitening kits. This will give you the ability to whiten your teeth with professional chemicals from the comfort of your home.
Treatment 2: Cosmetic Dental Bonding
If your smile requires a little more reconstruction to achieve your desired look, then dental bonding can help. This treatment utilizes a dental-grade resin that is molded and shaped onto your teeth.
Once it’s set, a special curing lamp is used to harden the resin, transforming it into a natural-looking and durable surface that seamlessly blends with your existing smile. Dental bonding is a great solution for repairing chipped, cracked, or discolored teeth. It can also fill small gaps and correct minor misalignments.
Treatment 3: Dental Veneers
Dental veneers are the most versatile and longest-lasting treatment available that will cover a wide range of imperfections in your pearly whites. These are hard porcelain sheathes that fit over your existing teeth. Once they’re in place, they look just like your natural teeth in an idealized smile that corrects discoloration, gaps, chips, and even slight misalignments.
While this is the most involved of the three treatments on this list, it doesn’t require any surgery. The first step is gently removing a small amount of enamel from your affected teeth so the veneers will sit flat. Afterward, you’ll be fitted with temporary veneers while you wait for your permanent prosthetics to arrive.
Once you’re back for your second visit, your dentist will place your veneers and you’ll have them for many years to come.
These three treatments can be life-changing, yet they don’t require any scary procedures or extra maintenance on your part. They’re perfect for an anxious patient who wants to get their smile just the way they want it. If you’re considering cosmetic treatments, contact your dentist and set an appointment. Once you see your bright new grin, you’ll be glad you did.
About the Author
Dr. Vincenzo Artino (Dr. Vinnie) has always known the importance of compassion and the value of good and affordable dental care. His lifelong passion for improving the lives of his patients through his work pushes him to learn more and strive for excellence. He graduated from the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine and has worked tirelessly to hone his craft through continuing education since then. To schedule a cosmetic dentistry consultation at Lakewood Complete Dentistry, call (303) 238-2800 or visit the website to explore other services.