Why is Oral Health Important for Cosmetic Dentistry?

If you’re unhappy with your smile, you’re not alone. One-third of Americans don’t like how their teeth look. Thankfully, you don’t need to live with the imperfections. Your cosmetic dentist can help you achieve the picture-perfect smile you desire using an individualized treatment plan. Although you might only be focused on the aesthetic flaws, your dentist will initially be more concerned about any untreated dental issues, like cavities. Any problems will need to be resolved before performing cosmetic procedures. Here’s why a healthy smile is crucial for cosmetic dentistry.

Oral Health Issues Can Delay Cosmetic Procedures

Poor oral health can affect how your smile looks. As a result, the first step to improving your teeth will start with their health. If the problems aren’t corrected, cosmetic procedures will only mask the issues, allowing them to linger in your mouth until they turn into big complications. The long-term success of your new smile will rely on a healthy foundation.

During your initial consultation with your cosmetic dentist, they will perform a thorough examination of your teeth and gums to look for any concerns, such as:

• Cavities: Tooth decay is the leading reason for delayed cosmetic treatments. Cavities cause damage to the structure of your tooth from harmful bacteria. If they aren’t treated, they can spread, leaving your tooth vulnerable to several other issues, like an infection. Your cosmetic dentist can easily fill cavities using tooth-colored fillings. They will treat the decay while producing looking natural results.
• Gum Disease: Gum disease is a preventable infection that occurs in the gingival tissue. If it’s not treated quickly, it will destroy the supporting structures of your teeth, which can lead to tooth loss. Cosmetic dentistry is an investment, so you don’t want to go through the process of improving your smile to only lose your teeth. Thankfully, your dentist can stop the infection with periodontal therapy.
• Infection: If you have an infected tooth, it will need to be treated before enhancing your smile. An infection will leave your tooth weakened, increasing the risk of it breaking. Not to mention, the infection can spread into the surrounding tissues and your bloodstream. A root canal is a simple procedure to resolve the infection while restoring the integrity of your tooth.

Common Cosmetic Procedures

Nowadays, there are more options than ever to achieve the exact smile you want. In some cases, certain elective treatments also offer restorative benefits to improve both the health and appearance of your teeth. No matter your needs, you might be a candidate for:

• Porcelain veneers
• Metal-free restorations
• Direct bonding
• Teeth whitening
• Gum recontouring

Your cosmetic dentist will create the customized treatment plan you need to address your concerns to love the smile you see in the mirror.

About Dr. Jacqueline Sumzin

Dr. Sumzin earned her dental degree at the New York University College of Dentistry. She regularly continues her education to offer advanced services, like cosmetic dentistry. If you’re ready to give your confidence a boost, contact our office today to schedule your consultation for a smile transformation.