If you’re frustrated by flaws in your grin, you’re not alone. Millions over the years have turned to cosmetic dentistry to fix imperfections to enhance their smiles. Whether your teeth are crooked, misshapen, or have chips and cracks, your dentist has solutions that can help. Before you can proceed with any elected procedures, however, you must first have a consultation and examination to ensure that your mouth is in good condition. If you’re unsure why this step is important, keep reading to learn 3 ways oral issues can interfere with your results!
#1: Cavities
Although your dentist is happy to help you improve your appearance, their main concern is your dental well-being. That means before they continue, they’ll check for signs of cavities and address any issues they find, first. You wouldn’t want to be fitted with clear aligners, for example, if you’ve already developed tooth decay. Harmful bacteria love to flourish in the space between the trays and your pearly whites which could cause the issue to spread to neighboring teeth or even damage your jawbone. You might end up needing an emergency root canal or other more complex solutions down the road.
To avoid potentially costly and complicated repairs later, your dentist will check for problems before performing cosmetic procedures. If they find cavities, they’ll fill them with tooth-colored materials so that your smile will be both beautiful and healthy.
#2: Gum Disease
We tend to only think about our teeth when we consider dental well-being but your gums play an essential role, too. They provide the firm foundation that holds your teeth in place, so it’s important to keep them in good shape. Early signs of periodontal disease are notoriously hard to catch, so you could have developed a problem and not be aware of it.
Fortunately, your dentist knows what to look for and can work with you to clear it up before proceeding with other services. This ensures that the results of your cosmetic treatments, like gum recontouring, won’t be affected by the infection. You wouldn’t want your dentist to recontour your tissues just to have them recede from disease!
#3: Ongoing Hygiene Routine
Your dentist will also want to ensure that you’ve implemented a consistent dental care regimen at home before pursuing cosmetic work because it’s essential to maintain your results. You should be brushing and flossing twice daily to clear away unwanted germs and plaque buildup that could damage your recently upgraded grin.
For example, dental bonding and crowns last longer when you regularly clean your mouth. Without taking these steps, your teeth and restorations are at an increased risk of chipping or breaking.
Now that you know why it’s important to have a healthy smile before starting any cosmetic treatment, you’ll pass your upcoming exam with flying colors!
About the Author
Dr. Yanling “Lina” Yue offers a wide array of services to meet her patients’ unique dental needs, including cosmetic dentistry. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with a Studio Arts minor from the University of Pittsburgh before achieving her Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry degree from Temple University Maurice H. Kornberg School of Dentistry. Now, she combines state-of-the-art technology with a compassionate approach to enhance people’s appearance and improve their oral health. If you’re interested in a cosmetic consultation, you’re welcome to request an appointment on the website or by calling (207) 729-3911.