It’s natural to want to address imperfections that make you feel self-conscious about the condition of your grin. However, some people avoid scheduling cosmetic dental procedures because they worry that they might enhance their appearance at the cost of their dental health.
Fortunately, that’s not usually the case! Your dentist will examine your mouth before approving the desired services to ensure that no pre-existing issues interfere with the results. Continue reading to learn 3 problems they must treat before proceeding with cosmetics!
Concern #1: Gum Disease
Your dentist is happy to provide one or more options to upgrade your grin, but they’ll want to ensure that you don’t have any signs of periodontal problems first. Gum disease only worsens the longer it goes unaddressed and can eventually cause your tissues to recede. This leaves your teeth and any restorations, like porcelain veneers, without a strong enough anchor, and can cause them to become destabilized or dislodged in time.
Furthermore, if bacteria have penetrated your connective tissues, they are likely also feeling tender or inflamed. This can make it difficult or even impossible to complete specific treatments, like teeth whitening or Invisalign. As a result, your provider must check your gum tissues for signs of disease before approving your elected procedure(s).
Concern #2: Hidden Cavities
Tender gums aren’t the only concern your dentist must address prior to administering cosmetics. They will also examine your teeth for cavities and provide appropriate solutions, like tooth-colored fillings or dental crowns, to repair any lost sections of enamel.
This is an essential step that can safeguard your smile while simultaneously preventing potential discomfort. For example, placing a whitening agent over tooth decay can cause an intensely painful reaction as the nerves in your teeth react to the harsh chemicals. Not only that, but untreated cavities can spread to neighboring pearly whites or your jawbone and eventually contribute to tooth loss.
Concern #3: Maintaining Results
Your dentist also needs to ensure that you know how to care for your teeth and gums properly to avoid potential problems, like decay, disease, or ruined results. Brushing and flossing twice daily prevents bacteria from forming harmful plaque and tartar that cause gum disease, damaged enamel, and other issues that could interfere with your recent enhancements.
For instance, veneers and dental bonding don’t develop cavities because they’re not made from the same organic materials as your teeth, but they can become separated from the underlying tooth if it starts to decay.
If you’re not currently a good candidate for your chosen treatments because of pre-existing problems, don’t lose hope! Your dentist will work with you to ensure that your smile is healthy enough to proceed with your desired cosmetics.
Meet the Author
Dr. Jay Oza has more than a decade of experience helping families in Midlothian build and maintain strong, beautiful teeth and gums. He earned his dental degree at New York University and is currently affiliated with several organizations, including the American Dental Association, to stay up-to-date on the latest treatments, technology, and trends. His caring approach, combined with state-of-the-art equipment, allows him to provide comfortable, accurate results tailored to your unique needs, including cosmetic upgrades. You can request an appointment on the website or call (682) 772-3072.