You Need a Healthy Mouth Before Getting Cosmetic Dentistry — Why?

A beautiful smile is a precious asset that can brighten any room. But what if your smile is not quite what you wish it was? Perhaps it has some imperfections that you would like to fix via cosmetic dentistry. Indeed, a skilled dentist may be able to powerfully enhance your look! But before they do that, they will need to make sure that your mouth is healthy. Why is good oral health a prerequisite for cosmetic services? This blog post explains.

The Importance of Oral Health Before Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic treatments simply cannot reach their potential if they are performed on oral tissues that are not healthy enough to support them.

For example, if you have weak or decay-ridden teeth, restorations like veneers or bonding will only cover the problem, not fix it. The underlying teeth will still need treatment, and they might not even be able to provide an adequate underlying structure for the cosmetic work. Similarly, trying to whiten teeth that have untreated cavities is not a good idea; the whitening formula could cause severe sensitivity.

Gum disease is another common issue that can affect your ability to get cosmetic care. Not only can it make your gums red and puffy, but it can also cause your teeth to loosen over time. Cosmetic services will not do you any good if the underlying teeth are in danger of falling out!

In contrast, if your teeth and gums are healthy and strong, your cosmetic procedure is very likely to provide gorgeous and long-lasting results.

The Visual Rewards of a Healthy Mouth

What if your dentist informs you that your mouth is not ready for cosmetic services? Do not be too discouraged. Simply improving your oral health can also make your smile more beautiful! It can do so in a few ways:

• Disease-free gums are firm and pink, rather than red, swollen, and puffy. Indeed, healthy gums provide a pleasant-looking frame for your teeth.
• Restorations to fix tooth decay, such as fillings and crowns, can appear incredibly lifelike and beautiful.
• Good oral care habits, such as regular brushing and flossing, can reduce dental staining and prevent many aesthetic issues.

When Is the Right Time for Cosmetic Dentistry?

When you speak to your dentist, let them know you are interested in cosmetic services. Even if you are not yet a candidate for your desired treatment, your care team can design a plan to help you reach your goals. Hopefully, it will not be too long before your smile is both beautiful and healthy.

Meet the Practice

At Landmark Dental Studio, Drs. Mickle, Kessler, and Thomas use their many years of experience and advanced expertise to provide a broad range of services, including both restorative and cosmetic care. If you would like to improve the appearance or health of your smile, our team is ready to serve you! Contact our Greenwood Village, CO, office at 303-773-8013.