Did you know that in the United States, it’s estimated that anywhere from 36% of adults get nervous about dental appointments, but 12% have an extreme fear? In severe cases, your nervousness might prevent you from undergoing procedures that can! improve your smile.
If you’re hoping to address aesthetic imperfections but have been avoiding sitting in the dentist’s chair, don’t lose hope. Many cosmetic dental services are minimally invasive, so you can enhance your appearance without long or agonizing procedures. Keep reading to learn about 3 popular treatments that can potentially benefit you!
Option #1: Metal-Free Restorations
In the past, dental fillings, crowns, and other restorations were made of mixtures of metal. This silver-colored material was typically made from mercury combined with other alloys like silver, tin, copper, and zinc. Although this was used to protect and preserve people’s teeth, it often damaged them instead. Because it doesn’t bond with enamel, extra notches had to be carved to ensure that the dental work remained in place. Plus, metal expands and contracts with changes in temperature. In time, this could damage the structure of the tooth it was applied to.
Today, your dentist can provide tooth-colored restorations that bond directly with your enamel to protect and preserve your smile in the long run. While they might numb your tooth before removing the old dental work, you probably won’t need additional sedatives for this procedure.
Option #2: Dental Bonding
If you’re frustrated by unsightly chips, cracks, misshapen, gapped, or slightly crooked teeth, then you may want to ask your dentist about dental bonding. For this treatment, they will apply a small amount of composite resin directly to the problematic tooth. Then, they’ll mold it into the perfect tooth shape and harden it in place with a special ultraviolet curing light. This can often be completed in a single, hour-long appointment and may not even require the use of a topical anesthetic, depending on your unique circumstances.
Option #3: At-Home Teeth Whitening
Stained teeth can give off the impression that you don’t practice consistent oral hygiene at home or care about your appearance. Fortunately, your dentist can remove years’ worth of surface stains to lighten your teeth by several shades! Although some over-the-counter strips claim to be able to do the same thing, they often contain abrasive ingredients that cause sensitivity. Meanwhile, your dentist can provide custom-fitted application trays and professional-grade gels so that you can brighten your grin from the comfort of your own home.
If you’re still unsure about undergoing cosmetic treatments, the best way to address your fears is head-on! Contact your dentist for a consultation, and they can discuss possible options and how to help you feel comfortable during your procedures.
About the Author
Dr. Thomas A. Gromling has 40+ years of experience helping families enhance their lives by improving their oral health. He earned his undergraduate degree from Virginia Tech and then completed his Doctor of Dental Surgery at the Medical College of Virginia at Virginia Commonwealth University. Now, he’s a member of several professional organizations, including the American Dental Association, so you can trust that your smile is in good hands. His practice is equipped with state-of-the-art technology to increase patient comfort while creating more accurate treatment results. If you want to upgrade your grin, you can request a cosmetic consultation on the website or by calling (540) 869-4377.