Did you know an estimated 36% of people in the United States experience anxiety around dental appointments? If you’re unfamiliar with your upcoming procedure, it’s natural to have questions about what to expect.
For instance, many people hesitate to undergo cosmetic procedures that can enhance the appearance of their smiles because they worry the services are unsafe. Although your dentist is happy to upgrade your grin, their primary concern is your oral well-being. Continue reading to learn about 3 popular options that are considered perfectly harmless!
Treatment #1: Teeth Whitening
Many people wanting lighter teeth turn to over-the-counter strips and gels, only to be disappointed by the lack of results. Commercial products tend to contain diluted bleaching agents and poorly-fitting applicators that can lead to misusing or overapplying whiteners.
Fortunately, your dentist has ultra-concentrated solutions that can effectively remove years’ worth of surface stains without causing adverse effects. A single in-office appointment can potentially brighten your smile by up to eight shades for an instant sparkle. Or, if you prefer, they can provide a kit containing professional-grade gels and custom-fitted trays to lighten your teeth from the comfort of your home.
Treatment #2: Dental Bonding
You might think of chipped or cracked teeth as a mere aesthetic concern, but the truth is once the structure of your tooth is compromised, it’s more likely to suffer additional injury or develop decay. Your dentist can repair minor issues with dental bonding.
For this procedure, they’ll apply color-matched composite resin directly to your troubled tooth. Then, they mold the putty-like material into the ideal shape then harden it with a special ultraviolet curing light. This non-invasive treatment is so straightforward that you likely won’t even need a local anesthetic, so there’s no need for needles. Even better, it can usually be completed from start to finish in the same visit.
Treatment #3: Botox
Would it surprise you to learn that the same provider who cares for your teeth and gums can also you look younger? Many dentists are licensed to offer Botox injections for cosmetics in addition to functional purposes, like addressing jaw aches.
The medication is derived from a purified neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. In large doses, it can be fatal, so many patients worry that using this ingredient to improve their appearance is unsafe. However, your dentist is a trained professional and only uses small doses to relax your facial muscles to smooth wrinkles. Furthermore, the needles used are incredibly fine to reduce discomfort. You might feel a prick or stinging, but it’s not considered painful.
If your desired treatment didn’t make this list and you’re curious whether it comes with risks, the best way to find out is to consult your dentist!
About the Practice
At Juno Beach Smiles, you benefit from two skilled dentists with decades of combined experience. Dr. Riley and Dr. Keuning provide a wide range of services to conveniently meet all your needs under one roof, located less than a quarter mile from the ocean. They take the time to learn about your unique goals and concerns, then utilize state-of-the-art equipment to deliver treatments tailored to meet them, including cosmetic procedures. If you want to upgrade your grin and aren’t sure how to start, you can request a consultation on the website or call (561) 622-7243.