If you’re so self-conscious about dental flaws that you remain tight-lipped or avoid spending time with others, you’re not alone. People with imperfections in their teeth are more likely to report feeling depressed or anxious from worrying about being judged for their appearance.
Your dentist provides several cosmetic services to improve your grin and boost your confidence, but if you have gum disease, it will need to be addressed before starting elective procedures. Continue reading to learn why having a clean mouth is essential before beginning any treatment intended to enhance your smile!
What is Cosmetic Dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry simply refers to the range of services your dentist can provide that are meant to upgrade your appearance more than improve your oral health. However, some of the procedures fulfill both functions.
For example, if you’re frustrated by stubborn stains you can’t seem to brush away, your provider can give you a personalized whitening kit that contains everything you need to obtain professional results from the comfort of your own home.
However, some blemishes don’t respond to topical treatments and require a different solution, like porcelain veneers. These thin shells are designed to match your enamel then is bonded to the fronts of your teeth to mask problem issues. They’re also coated with a glaze durable enough to resist chipping and discoloration, shielding the underlying pearly whites from additional harm.
How Does Gum Disease Impact Cosmetic Procedures?
You might be surprised that your dentist must examine your mouth before administering any cosmetic service, but it’s imperative that they establish you’re a good candidate for your desired treatment. Otherwise, pre-existing problems, like cavities or gum disease, could interfere with the results.
For instance, porcelain veneers can hide one or several issues simultaneously, such as chips, cracks, discoloration, or mild misalignments, to perfect your appearance. That said, your dentist must remove a thin layer of enamel for them to sit flush against your gums without looking bulky or awkward.
Although periodontal problems start small, if they’re allowed to progress unaddressed, your gums eventually recede to escape the infection. This can expose the seam of your veneers, increasing the likelihood that they’ll be damaged or dislodged.
How Can I Prepare for Cosmetic Treatments?
One of the easiest ways to keep your mouth clean long-term is to implement a twice-daily dental hygiene routine. Brushing and flossing both morning and night consistently removes plaque and bacteria that contribute to common oral issues.
Also, seeing your dentist every six months for a routine checkup and cleaning allows them to monitor your condition so they can identify and treat any areas of concern before they worsen.
Meet the Author
Dr. Bo Tran enjoys helping people of all ages near Phoenix build the healthiest, most beautiful versions of their smiles. He earned his dental degree from Midwestern University Glendale Campus, where he received the Golden Hand Award, and has committed additional hours to complete his Invisalign certification and additional courses on root canals and cosmetic procedures. He combines artistic vision with state-of-the-art equipment to improve patient comfort while delivering accurate, long-lasting results. If you want to upgrade your grin, you can request an appointment on the website or call (602) 944-7199.