No matter which source you look at, the data is clear—more and more people are investing in cosmetic dentistry to improve their appearance and confidence. On the surface, this sounds fantastic! More people now have the means and the access to make profound improvements in their lives. But with all of the fresh attention on this type of work, it has a lot of people asking, “Is cosmetic dentistry safe?” This blog will answer the question from a few different angles, so whether you’re thinking about getting simple teeth whitening or a full makeover, you can do so with peace of mind.
Is Cosmetic Dentistry Safe For…
My Teeth?
While the definition of what counts as a cosmetic dental procedure is a bit flexible, in most cases, it involves building up the teeth, changing their color, straightening them, or removing excess gum tissue to create more balance and symmetry.
Thankfully, the materials used have a track record that goes back several decades. Dental porcelain used for veneers, gels used for whitening, and bonding materials have all been shown in countless studies to work well with the body and not lead to acute or long-lasting oral health issues. The most a patient might experience is some slight oral tenderness following a procedure, but that’s expected and usually brief.
My Overall Health?
The phenomenon of the oral-systemic connection has come to light in recent years, revealing something that dentists have known for a long time—the health of the mouth directly contributes to the health of the rest of the body. With that in mind, can cosmetic dentistry affect this negatively?
Fortunately no! You already know the materials are safe, and in fact, cosmetic procedures can directly contribute to better overall health. How? Having a renewed smile encourages people to take better care of their teeth, leading to higher-quality dental hygiene. That means fewer cavities and infections that could potentially spread to other parts of the body. Plus, cosmetic dentistry can involve replacing missing teeth and correcting the bite, which can lead to better chewing, a more varied diet, better digestion, and improved overall health.
The Long Term?
Hollywood actors have been getting veneers since the 1950s, so there are a lot of documented cases of people living with cosmetic dentistry for 10, 20, and 50+ years. Documented research and anecdotes from experienced dentists will both tell you that as long as a patient continues to take great care of their teeth and get their dental work maintained as recommended, it can stand the test of time with minimal issues. Today’s veneers, for instance, can easily endure for 15-20 years before a person needs to think about a touch-up.
So is cosmetic dentistry safe? Those who have studied it would say a definitive yes, meaning there should be nothing holding you back from getting treatment you can trust you’ll enjoy for many years to come.
About the Author
Dr. Allan Mohr is an award-winning cosmetic dentist based in Massapequa Park who has been serving the community for almost 40 years. Having completed almost 3,000 hours of continuing education throughout his career along with hundreds of dramatic makeovers, he’s more than capable of giving you the smile you’ve always wanted. You can judge his work for yourself by checking out his Smile Gallery, and to start your cosmetic dental journey, contact Dr. Mohr today to schedule a consultation.