Investing in a bright, straight, beautiful smile can improve your self-esteem, boost your mood, and even enhance your professional success. However, when you schedule your initial consultation, you may be surprised to hear that preliminary treatments, like a filling, need to be completed beforehand. After all, something as minor as a small cavity surely won’t prevent you from getting the results you want, right? Keep reading to learn why good oral health is important for cosmetic dentistry.
So, Why Is Good Oral Health So Important?
Moving forward with cosmetic dental work before addressing the health of your teeth and gums can lead to short-lived results. For example, veneers are a smile-enhancing solution that typically lasts for 10+ years with proper care. However, if a painful cavity develops, it will need to be removed entirely, requiring you to undergo the entire process all over again. Even less invasive procedures, like teeth whitening, can be dangerous because the brightening agents do not work well on decayed teeth. Lastly, your cosmetic dental work won’t look good if it’s framed by red, swollen, or bleeding gums!
Dental Concerns That Need to Be Addressed First
At your initial consultation, your dentist will conduct a meticulous oral exam to determine if any dental problems are present. A few of the most common ones include tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss. Don’t worry – even if they do find something, they can work the appropriate restorative care into your treatment plan. That way, you can get the beautiful smile you deserve without compromising the condition of your oral health.
8 Oral Hygiene Best Practices to Implement
Simply put, good oral health is the foundation of a beautiful smile. To keep your teeth and gums in pristine condition, prevention is paramount. Therefore, if you haven’t already, make sure to implement the below dental hygiene best practices:
- Brush your teeth for two minutes at least twice a day.
- Treat flossing as important as brushing.
- Use mouthwash regularly.
- Visit your dentist every six months for a dental checkup and cleaning.
- Quit poor dental habits, like smoking and chewing on ice.
- Limit your sugar intake.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Eat a vitamin-rich diet.
Cosmetic dental work is an investment worth making. If you need to undergo restorative care beforehand, don’t fret. After just a few appointments, you’ll be another step closer to your new and improved smile!
About the Author
Since completing her Doctor of Dental Surgery at the Marquette University School of Dentistry, Dr. Tammy Ton has spent her days helping her patients restore, enhance, and maintain their smiles. She knows that many patients experience anxiety around going to the dentist, which is why she focuses on compassionate, personalized, high-quality care. If you are interested in learning more about cosmetic dentistry or are simply overdue for your six-month checkup and cleaning, don’t hesitate to visit her website or give her a call at 972-698-5988.