Want a Stunning Smile? Start with a Healthy Mouth

If you want to build a house and make sure it lasts for decades to come, what is the first thing you should do? Start with a strong foundation. Without it, no matter how meticulous you are with the roof, the paint, or anything else, it will all fall apart.

This is the same thought process many dentists have when it comes to enhancing a patient’s smile. Many people who come in for teeth whitening or veneers are told their oral health needs to be in tip-top shape first. Why is this the case, and what can you do to ensure your smile is ready for a makeover?

First Things First

Whether you’re hoping to get veneers, teeth whitening, cosmetic bonding, or any other aesthetic-focused service, they all have one thing in common—the procedure builds upon and relies on the strength of the underlying natural teeth.

If a patient has a cavity, gum disease, or broken tooth, putting a veneer on it won’t resolve the problem. Rather, it will allow it to become worse because the infection will spread or the enamel will continue to weaken.

If the teeth and gums aren’t in good shape prior to a cosmetic procedure, this can drastically shorten the lifespan of a treatment while putting someone at risk for more advanced problems down the road (that can ultimately lead to tooth loss!).  

Setting the Stage

When you visit a cosmetic dentist in Boston, the first thing they will do is ask you about the changes you want to make to your teeth, and then they’ll perform an exam like they would during a regular checkup.

This will help them identify any ongoing dental problems that need to be resolved first. Doing so will establish a strong foundation for any treatment you are interested in. In addition to making your result look and feel better, this approach will go a long way in helping your new smile last for 10, 15, or even 20 years and beyond before you need an update.

Doing Your Part

Once you’ve decided to undergo a smile makeover, you likely want to get started as soon as possible. That’s why it can be frustrating to hear you need to have dental problems fixed ahead of getting the procedures you actually want. But it’s much less frustrating than having to redo your veneers after just three months because a cavity has made the underlying tooth painful or loose!

In addition to following your dentist’s instructions and getting any restorative treatments they recommend, you can always boost your oral health by following a few best practices at home:

• Brush at least twice a day for two minutes each
• Floss once in the evening
• Rinse with an alcohol-free mouthwash
• Avoid smoking, vaping, dipping, or chewing tobacco
• Don’t use your teeth as tools to open things
• Wear a mouthguard if you grind and clench at night

Altogether, this will improve your oral health and give you (and your dentist) the best chance of achieving a bright, refreshed smile you can trust will stand the test of time.

About the Practice

Dental Health & Wellness Boston has helped countless patients achieve the brighter, confidence-inducing smiles they desire for decades. Drs. Smith, Budd, and Assadourian all bring unique skill sets and several years of experience to the table, enabling patients to transform their appearance and uplift their dental health with personalized care.

If you’re ready to get the smile you’ve always wanted, click here to schedule a consultation or call 617-742-1220.