You don’t have to be rich to invest in a beautiful smile because there are cosmetic dental procedures to fit all budgets. However, your gums must be healthy to be a candidate for elective dental services. Your gums are the foundation for a healthy, beautiful smile. Although cosmetic dentistry can make your teeth look better, unhealthy gums can cause your new smile to fail. Here’s why it’s important to treat gum disease before any cosmetic dental work.
What is Gum Disease?
Cavities aren’t the only threat to your dental health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 50% of adults over the age of 30 have gum disease. The infection is almost 100% preventable with good oral hygiene.
Gum disease is caused by bacteria found in plaque and tartar buildup. Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease, which causes redness, swelling, and bleeding. With no treatment, it can progress to advanced periodontitis, causing irreversible damage to your dental health.
Why Are Healthy Gums Important?
Cosmetic dentistry can improve the appearance of your smile, but if gum disease isn’t treated first, you may as well throw your money in the trash.
Gum disease can destroy the supporting structures of your teeth, ultimately leading to tooth loss. The infection can also enter your bloodstream, increasing your risk of several potentially life-threatening, like heart attacks and strokes.
Your cosmetic dentist will examine your mouth during your consultation to ensure your teeth and gums are healthy. If they find any signs of an infection, they’ll create the personalized plan you need to restore your gum health, like scaling and root planing.
Options for a Beautiful Smile
After any preliminary procedures, like gum disease therapy, you can move forward with elective dental work. Your cosmetic dentist will review all of your options, which may include:
- Porcelain Veneers: Bonding veneers to the front sides of the teeth that show when you smile can fix various imperfections at once, like gaps, stains, and chips.
- Invisalign: Clear aligners are worn over your teeth to fix bite and alignment problems without the appearance of brackets and wires.
- In-Office Teeth Whitening: Age-related and surface stains can be improved by 8 shades using an in-office whitening treatment.
Cosmetic dentistry is a big investment. You can ensure your dazzling new smile lasts by committing to good oral hygiene habits at home and visiting your dentist every 6 months for a cleaning and checkup.
About Dr. William Carini
Dr. Carini achieved his dental degree from the Marquette University School of Dentistry and has regularly continued his training in advanced services, like cosmetic dentistry. He is a member of the Academy of Laser Dentistry. Dr. Carini offers the latest solutions to create healthy, beautiful smiles. Request an appointment through his website or call (414) 209-7465.