Is Cosmetic Dentistry Safe? Yes — Let us Explain:

Sometimes patients ask us – Is Cosmetic Dentistry Safe? The most common cosmetic dentistry procedures are safe for most patients. 

Not every procedure is appropriate for everyone. Before receiving any treatment, consult with your dentist. 

After a thorough examination, your dentist can give you an honest assessment of which cosmetic procedures are appropriate for you. The answers will vary depending on the procedure, your dental history, genetics, lifestyle, and existing treatment plan. 

This article isn’t a substitute for professional dental care; it is intended to help educate patients about some of the options available. 

We love the transformative power of cosmetic dentistry. So, Is Cosmetic Dentistry Safe? When under the care of a responsible dentist, cosmetic dentistry is safe. 

What is Cosmetic Dentistry? Is Cosmetic Dentistry Safe?

Cosmetic dentistry refers to dental treatments and procedures intended to improve the appearance of the teeth and the mouth. 

Aging, genetics, or trauma are just a few reasons that teeth may become discolored, misaligned, or misshapen. Cosmetic dentistry remedies these issues and more. 

Teeth whitening is possibly the best-known example of a non-invasive cosmetic dental treatment. Sometimes self-administered at-home tooth whitening treatments can damage the teeth due to user mistakes or poorly formulated products. However, professionally applied or supervised tooth whitening is safe for most patients. Your dentist would first assess whether a specific treatment is right for you, then skillfully administer it. An ethical cosmetic dentist always acts in the interest of the patient’s overall oral health. 

When taking a holistic view of a patient’s health, cosmetic dentistry can be a safe and healthy choice. Some patients are motivated to pursue their goals and take better care of themselves after receiving appearance-enhancing treatments. Smiling is healthy, and so is facing the world with confidence. 

If you are unhappy with how your teeth look, feel free to ask your dentist about your options or if you need more information about is cosmetic dentistry safe, you can get in touch with us. 

Common Cosmetic Treatment Options

Cosmetic dentistry can improve the appearance of your smile by aesthetically correcting many of the issues that make people feel self-conscious. Here are some examples of procedures used to improve the appearance of the teeth or smile.

• Teeth whitening: As we age, our teeth may become stained or discolored. Teeth whitening creates the impression of bright, youthful teeth.
• Inlays: Pre-molded filling that fits into the grooves of your tooth and is often used as a restoration method.
• Composite bonding: Using a tooth-colored resin, your dentist may visually fix gaps between the teeth and some minor damage to a tooth. Sometimes this can help fix a mildly misshapen tooth.
• Dental implants: This option may be used to replace missing teeth with natural-looking artificial teeth.
• Dental veneers like porcelain veneers: These super thin, custom-made shells can visually improve the color, shape, size, or texture of the teeth.
• Dental crowns: While crowns are often protective and therapeutic, they also can improve the appearance of a broken, fractured, or damaged tooth.
• Dental realigners such as Invisalign: Virtually invisible tooth straightening treatment that results in more optimal and attractive alignment with minimal disruption to your day-to-day life.
• Full mouth reconstructions: After an accident, illness, or other trauma, some patients find renewed confidence and a sense of well-being from a complete restoration.
• Smile makeovers: If you have multiple issues with your teeth, a smile makeover may be the solution. This is typically less involved than a full restoration but involves two or more cosmetic procedures.

You may have noticed many of these cosmetic dental procedures also have therapeutic applications. For example, a patient might opt for clear aligners as part of their cosmetic smile makeover. Not only does this result in straighter-looking, more attractive teeth, but correcting misalignments offers a range of other health benefits, including reducing unnecessary pressure and wear on the teeth. 

Cosmetic dentists are health care providers. First, our top priority is improving or maintaining good oral health. However, we are also happy to help our patients achieve the radiant and confident smile they desire. 

Cosmetic dentistry is so popular because many patients feel the benefits outweigh the small risk levels they may face. Talk with your dentist about the risks associated with any cosmetic procedure you are considering. 

The level of risk with any medical procedure varies by the patient. Having a frank discussion will make it easier for you to make an educated choice. If your dentist agrees that you are a good candidate for any specific cosmetic procedure, it is most likely safe for you or even beneficial. Overall, cosmetic dentistry is safe and effective. 

Next Steps: Seeking a Safe Cosmetic Dentistry Experience

Maintaining your oral health is the first step to a beautiful and healthy smile. This includes following your dentist’s recommendations, including:

• Brush your teeth twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste containing fluoride.
• Floss your teeth daily to keep your gums healthy.
• See your dentist on your recommended schedule for a professional cleaning and examination.
• Minimize consumption of sugary and acidic foods and beverages as these erode enamel and contribute to decay. Some acidic drinks like coffee and red wine also stain the teeth.
• If you grind your teeth, ask your dentist about getting a custom-made mouthguard and wearing it while you sleep. Grinding wears down teeth and leads to cracks, fractures, enamel erosion, or unevenly sized teeth.
• If you smoke, consider quitting as it stains the teeth and negatively affects gum health.

When you maintain overall dental health, you are more likely to benefit from safe cosmetic procedures ranging from basic tooth whitening to a complete smile makeover. You also decrease the need for future cosmetic procedures that may result from damaged or decayed teeth. 

If you are interested in one or more cosmetic procedures, visit a skilled cosmetic dentist who also promotes oral health and wellbeing. At Southview Dentistry, we have had the privilege of helping Charlotte area residents achieve the smile of their dreams. 

If you live near Charlotte and are unhappy with the way your teeth look, give us a call to schedule a consultation. You may be surprised by your transformation.