Ready for a Smile Makeover? A Healthy Mouth is Needed First!

Getting the smile of your dreams is more possible now than ever! There are so many cosmetic dentistry options, from veneers to professional teeth whitening. You have finally taken the first step toward those bright, straight pearly whites by scheduling a consultation. However, you may be surprised to discover that your dentist’s first priority is ensuring your oral health is clear of any issues before continuing the process. Read on to learn why a healthy mouth is important before a new smile and what you can do to keep your mouth in tip-top shape!

Why Is a Healthy Mouth Important Before Cosmetic Dentistry?

The ultimate goal of cosmetic dentistry is to improve your smile to look its absolute best! With treatments like Veneers, professional teeth whitening, and dental bonding, your pearly whites can be completely transformed. But this is only possible if your present teeth are in good condition! If any underlying issues go untreated, it could cause your cosmetic treatment to be unsuccessful, and even may have to be removed.

Here are the most common dental issues that need to be taken care of before your new smile begins:

Tooth Decay

One of the most common reasons for a delay is a cavity. Before any cosmetics are applied, your dentist must make sure your teeth can provide a good foundation. This often means addressing any tooth decay occurring before beginning your treatment. If not, the decay could easily spread to the newly fixed teeth and ruin your renewed smile. For example, veneers use ultra-thin shells of porcelain to cover dental imperfections and typically last for 10 or more years with proper care. However, if tooth decay continues to go unchecked, they would need to be removed entirely. Additionally, a smile-enhancing procedure like teeth whitening could be dangerous because the brightening agents do not work well on decayed teeth.

Gum Disease

Gum disease (periodontal disease) occurs when a buildup of plaque on your teeth leads to an overgrowth of bad bacteria in your mouth. This results in inflammation of your gums. It’s estimated that almost 50% of adults are suffering from some stage of gum disease…and oftentimes without even knowing it! Having inflamed soft tissues in your mouth puts your cosmetic dental work at risk and makes it more challenging to treat. Besides, your new smile won’t look its best if it’s framed by red, swollen, or bleeding gums.

Fortunately, most issues are minor and can be fixed within a few weeks through various treatments from your dentist. They will do everything they can to get your oral health back in great shape. As soon as your mouth is healthy, you can be back on track to your ideal pearly whites!

About the Author

Dr. Susan Kutis and her team at Blue Sage Dental keep the smiles of Littleton and the surrounding areas healthy and bright. She offers a wide range of cosmetic dental services, from minor changes to a full makeover. Voted Top Dentist by Denver’s 5280 Magazine, she uses personalized plans and advanced dental technology to help you achieve your best oral health. To schedule a consultation, contact her through her website or call (303) 973-1112.