Few people have naturally beautiful smiles. While genetics can play a role in the appearance of your teeth, poor hygiene or trauma can also influence their attractiveness. If your teeth are damaged, it’s easy to feel insecure about your mouth. Your cosmetic dentist in Louisville can resolve your aesthetic concerns to give you a picture-perfect smile; however, any underlying dental condition will need to be treated first, like tooth decay. Although it may add another step to your journey, it’s essential to preserve your investment. Here are the most common issues that need to be treated before improving your smile.
Causes of Delays in Cosmetic Treatments
While everyone wants to achieve their dream smile as quickly as possible, there are a few issues that can create delays in the process. Unfortunately, your general dentist will need to address them first before moving forward with your cosmetic treatment plan, such as:
Cavities
Tooth decay is a leading contributor to delaying cosmetic treatments, like porcelain veneers and teeth whitening. A cavity is an area of weakened enamel from decay in the mouth. It’s caused by oral bacteria that slowly erode the outer layer of a tooth.
If the cavity isn’t treated before your cosmetic procedure, the bacteria can spread to other teeth, putting them at risk of decay. Instead, it’s best to treat the cavity before moving forward. If you’re concerned about a dark filling causing an eyesore when you smile, don’t worry. Your dentist can use a tooth-colored filling, which will blend in with your enamel.
Infections
Your mouth must be infection-free before having any elective treatment to prevent it from spreading into surrounding tissues. The underlying cause will also need to be addressed, such as from an infected tooth. Your dentist may recommend a root canal to treat it. An all-ceramic restoration may be bonded over the tooth to create a natural-looking smile.
Gum disease can be another infection that will need to be treated. This is a preventable infection that develops in the gum tissue from bacteria found in plaque and tartar buildup. Although it can be avoided, 50% of adults have a form of it. If you have signs of the infection, your dentist will recommend scaling and root planing before your cosmetic procedure.
Invest in a Healthy, Beautiful Smile
You can get the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted with the help of your cosmetic dentist. Ensure your new smile has everything it needs to thrive by treating any dental issues before getting started.
About Remmers Dental
Remmers Dental provides a wide range of services to meet all your dental needs from one location. Our diverse team of dentists has experience in both cosmetic and restorative treatments. As a result, you can improve the health and appearance of your teeth in-house. You won’t be referred to another location to save time while on your journey to an attractive smile. If you’re ready to invest in your confidence, contact our office today to schedule your consultation.