Everywhere you look, it may seem like you’re surrounded by stunning smiles. Most people don’t have perfect teeth naturally. Many turn to cosmetic dentists to fix their teeth. If you’re ready to stop feeling embarrassed by your smile, your first step to revamp your pearly whites is a cleaning and checkup. Although you’re concerned about the way your teeth look, your oral health is your dentist’s first priority. Here’s why your dental health matters before having any elective treatments.
Your Oral Health is Important
Cosmetic dentistry can address many aesthetic imperfections, like discoloration, chips, and gaps. Elective services can make your teeth look better, but they can cover up existing dental issues, like tooth decay or gum disease.
If your teeth and gums aren’t healthy before cosmetic treatments, untreated dental problems will worsen and cause your new smile to fail.
Common Cosmetic Procedures
Your dentist will look for any issues during your consultation, like inflamed gums or decay. They will create a personalized treatment plan to enhance your smile, which may include a little prep work, such as fillings or gum disease therapy.
Once your teeth and gums are healthy, they’ll explain which cosmetic procedures are right for you, like:
- Tooth-Colored Restorations: All-ceramic materials are used to create natural-looking crowns, bridges, and other restorations. They are biocompatible because they don’t contain any metals to support your overall wellness. They will look like your real teeth and produce long-lasting results.
- Cosmetic Dental Bonding: Dental bonding provides a lot of bang for your buck. A cosmetic resin is shaded to the color of your enamel to blend in with your tooth when used to fix various imperfections, like chips, decay, or cracks. After just one appointment, you can achieve noticeable results that can last for 5 to 10 years before needing to be replaced.
- Teeth Whitening: Age and surface-related stains can be improved by up to 8 shades using a professional whitening system. Your teeth can become significantly whiter in about an hour using an in-office solution. If you prefer, your dentist can give you everything you need to achieve in-office results from the comfort of your home with a take-home kit.
Although you may need a little prep work before transforming your smile, it’s time well-spent to achieve the best results. It’s important to commit to your oral hygiene at home and visit your dentist regularly to ensure your new smile lasts.
About Dr. Herbert T. Hudson
Dr. Hudson earned his dental degree from the Louisville School of Dental Medicine and pursues continuing education regularly in many specialties, like cosmetic dentistry, endodontics, and TMJ therapy. He is a proud member of several professional organizations, including the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Request an appointment through our website or call (910) 991-0925.