Beauty Is Not Always Pain: Does Cosmetic Dentistry Hurt?

In many situations, the possibility of feeling pain can deter people from certain choices entirely. In fact, the idea of getting hurt may keep you from skydiving, bungee jumping, or other activities. It’s how your brain works to preserve your life, but the same fear of pain can come up in less dangerous decisions.

Cosmetic dentistry, for example, has great potential to enhance your lifestyle and confidence, but if you are worried about the procedure hurting, you may not enjoy the priceless benefits. This begs the question: does cosmetic dentistry even hurt? The answer depends on what treatment you want to get. Here is a breakdown of some of the most common cosmetic treatments and the truth about whether they involve pain.

Does Getting Veneers Hurt?

It shouldn’t. At first, the concept of veneers can seem painful. It requires removing a small sliver of the front enamel to make room for the porcelain covering. However, before your dentist takes this step, they will numb your mouth with a local anesthetic, meaning you shouldn’t feel any discomfort as they prepare your teeth. While you wear your temporary veneers, you may experience a little sensitivity, but it is normal and temporary. Your custom veneers should fit you perfectly and feel comfortable and natural.

Does Teeth Whitening Hurt?

It likely won’t. As you get older, your teeth naturally accumulate stains and tend to have more enamel wear. As a result, high concentrations of peroxide—such as that found in in-office professional whitening—may be strong enough to cause sensitivity. Fortunately, your dentist can either provide some fluoride for relief and reinforcement or recommend take-home whitening, which can accomplish the same results over the course of two weeks rather than one hour. With this longer method, you shouldn’t feel anything unpleasant.

Does Cosmetic Bonding Hurt?

Not at all. Cosmetic bonding consists of adding composite resin over your existing teeth. Nothing needs to be removed, and the preparation step of applying a weak acid to your front enamel doesn’t penetrate deep enough to cause discomfort of any kind. This acid simply creates a rougher surface for the resin to bond more easily with. Without any local anesthetic, you can leave with a beautiful smile after just one dental visit.

Does Laser Gum Recontouring Hurt?

No, not really. When you learn that gum recontouring entails severing excess gum tissue, you may cringe with anticipatory pain, but the soft tissue laser is surprisingly gentle! In fact, most patients who get this procedure don’t require any anesthetic at all and report very little discomfort or bleeding.

As you can see, even for treatments that only sound painful, your dentist provides a way for you to remain comfortable. Don’t let the primal fear of imaginary pain keep you from your dream smile.

About the Practice

Applegate Dental’s dentists and the rest of the team care about patient comfort for every step of their experience at the practice. In addition to local anesthetics, we offer medications like nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation that evoke calmness and relaxation for those who suffer from anxiety. For veneers or crowns, we also use cutting-edge digital impressions to avoid the unpleasant experience of traditional ones with putty. If you are concerned about comfort or have questions about pain, feel free to contact our West Seneca practice online or call us at 716-668-4646.