Having dental anxiety doesn’t mean you have to give up on your teeth. In fact, we recognize that those with dental anxiety may need additional help and care because they might have avoided treatment in the past.
This issue doesn’t only apply to treating oral health problems but also affects those who have more cosmetic concerns. Even though you struggle with dental anxiety, you should still be able to have the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted.
Cosmetic Treatments for Anxious Patients
Many patients with dental anxiety or dental phobia assume that cosmetic treatments are out of their reach. However, modern technology has brought us dental treatments that are far easier to tolerate than those of the past. These treatments are pain-free and can be completed without many of the triggers that can cause or worsen anxiety.
Invisalign
If you have dental anxiety but have always wanted to improve misaligned teeth or gaps in your smile, you might want to consider Invisalign. Clear aligners have quite a few benefits over braces, especially for patients who have difficulty sitting in the dental chair.
Invisalign treatment involves first taking an impression of your teeth. But don’t worry; modern technology means no sitting for lengthy periods with sticky trays in place. Digital scans only take about 10-15 minutes and are basically a highly precise digital video of your mouth that maps the shape and location of your teeth with incredible precision.
Your Invisalign trays are simple to place, and we will show you how to insert and remove them, so you are in control of your treatment. Unlike braces, Invisalign usually does not require fixing appliances to the surface of your teeth. As a result, fewer visits are required for your treatment. Visits are quick and painless, as your treatment provider will not need to adjust orthodontic hardware – just check your progress.
Lumineers
Many patients dream of a complete smile makeover that can address misshapen or chipped teeth, brighten their smile, and close gaps. Veneers can do all of this and more. Unfortunately, traditional veneers require extensive preparation to remove the surface area of the teeth and make space for the placement of veneers.
Lumineers, on the other hand, are incredibly thin. So thin, in fact, they often do not require this preparation and can be placed directly on intact teeth. This means no shaving and zero pain. Lumineer placement is surprisingly quick, and discomfort is minimal.
Composite Fillings
If you have older, noticeable metal fillings and have avoided replacing them with near-invisible composites, we don’t blame you. Getting a filling, especially when you experience dental anxiety, can be a difficult experience.
Laser dentistry may be the answer. With lasers, drills are no longer necessary. Treatment with lasers usually does not require pain relief. This means no needles or numbing. It also means no loud drilling noises, something that is a common trigger of anxiety in patients.
At-Home Tooth Whitening
You may think that over-the-counter whitening products are the only option available if you suffer from dental anxiety and want to avoid in-office treatments. But if you want better results than these options can offer, you should ask about at-home professional treatment options. We offer options you can do in the comfort of your space. Because these treatments are professional-grade and overseen by an experienced dentist, the results surpass what you can find in your local pharmacy.
Ask Us About Sedation Dentistry
It is our mission to make patients like you feel safe and comfortable receiving top-notch dental care, and that includes cosmetic treatments. In addition to the advanced options we discussed above, we also offer sedation dentistry. Contact our office to talk in detail about the many sedation choices that can make your next dental visit more pleasant, even if you suffer from dental anxiety.