Just Wait: 3 Reasons a Healthy Smile is Important Before Pursuing Cosmetic Dentistry

Deciding to pursue cosmetic dentistry can be an exciting venture, especially if you’ve spent years unhappy with the state of your smile. With so many treatment options, the changes you can make seem endless. But before you start achieving the beautiful and vibrant smile you desire, your dentist will want to make sure your oral health is in the best possible shape. If you’re unsure why it’s important, here are 3 reasons to consider.

Reason #1: Untreated Cavities Can Weaken Teeth

If you are thinking about installing veneers over your imperfect teeth, you’ll first want to make sure you have no existing cavities. The decay that forms and causes small holes in your teeth will weaken the enamel and make it harder for restorations like veneers to remain in place.

When your teeth fall victim to cavities, they no longer offer strength and stability as before. To fix the problem, you’ll need to meet with your dentist to discuss an appropriate treatment solution so that you can receive customized veneers and change the appearance of your smile.

Reason #2: Downplayed Gum Disease Can Become Challenging to Treat

If you show signs of gum disease before undergoing any kind of cosmetic treatment, it will become much harder to address after your veneers, metal-free restorations, or other similar creations are applied.

Gum disease attacks the soft oral tissues before wreaking havoc on your jawbone and teeth. If the infection is allowed to spread, it can cause teeth to loosen and the bone to weaken, effectively undoing all the hard work and money spent trying to improve the look of your smile.

No matter what cosmetic solution you choose, existing gum disease can cause you to invest in treatment that will only need to be redone once your oral health is in better shape.

Reason #3: Gum Recession Can Make Teeth Whitening Painful

Gum recession commonly occurs when gum disease is present. As these soft tissues begin to pull back, they expose more of the tooth root, which is a highly sensitive area.

If you are thinking about improving the color of your teeth, you’ll want to first take care of your recessed gum tissue to prevent increased sensitivity and discomfort. This can be accomplished with scaling and root planing to eliminate the harmful bacteria and infection as well as a gum graft to cover exposed areas.

While cosmetic dentistry has its advantages, the health of your smile is most important. Working with your dentist to make sure your teeth and gums are in the best possible shape will lend to beautiful and longer-lasting aesthetic results.

About the Author
Are you tired of Googling, “cosmetic dentist near me?” If so, don’t worry. You’re not the only one looking for a trusted professional to revamp your smile. Dr. Joseph Vollo earned his DDS degree at SUNY Buffalo before completing a post-doctoral Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency at the Western New York Veterans Hospital. He and his colleague (and wife), Dr. Katherine Vollo, work together to deliver one-of-a-kind cosmetic dental solutions that change all aspects of oral and overall health. If you want to give your physical and mental health a boost, contact us via our website or call (585) 225-9114.