Having a brighter set of teeth can help you feel more confident in the way you look and how you present yourself to others. It’s no wonder so many people choose professional teeth whitening to enhance their appearance. But did you know that having cavities can cause serious problems if you choose to move forward with cosmetic treatment? Keep reading to discover what issues can develop and why a scheduled consultation is important.
Why is it Important to Schedule an Initial Consultation?
Before any cosmetic treatment, your dentist will want to meet with you for a scheduled consultation. This visit consists of discussions about your oral and overall health as well as what you want to see after the process is complete.
Not everyone is a good candidate for teeth whitening, which is why your dentist will insist on this initial visit. However, if you’re leaning toward trying to brighten your smile on your own with DIY solutions, you may want to reconsider, especially if you have cavities.
Why Should Cavities Be Treated Before Teeth Whitening?
Having a cavity might not seem like a big deal when preparing to whiten your teeth, but the truth is that you might do more harm than good if you continue to move forward.
When applying a whitening gel to your teeth, the ingredients used – hydrogen peroxide, which is a bleaching agent – can irritate pearly whites. Those that are healthy can be affected by this kind of treatment; however, teeth that have cavities can experience a more serious problem. Once the two come into contact, not only can sensitivity occur, but the tooth or teeth can be permanently damaged.
What Can a Cosmetic Dentist Do?
To avoid harming your teeth either with a do-it-yourself whitening solution or professional treatment, allow your cosmetic dentist to perform a thorough examination of your smile. This will allow them to identify any areas of decay or cavities.
If any are found, a personalized plan can be crafted to address the problem area and restore the tooth’s health and structure. This can be accomplished with a dental filling, dental crown, or root canal.
Using advanced technologies and materials, your dentist can make sure the color chosen for your filling or crown is used as a basis to create a seamless appearance once you undergo whitening treatment, as these restorations cannot absorb bleaching gels designed for natural teeth.
Give your smile the proper care it deserves by following the appropriate steps to ensure its health before giving it the glow-up you desire.
About the Author
Dr. Cedric Chenet is a trusted dentist who earned his DDS degree from Howard University. After graduating in 1982, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served as a dental officer. Retiring in 2002 as a lieutenant colonel, he opened his dental practice in Melbourne and continues to provide exceptional care to residents in and around the community.
He and his team offer cosmetic services to enhance patients’ smiles but remain thorough when examining aesthetically imperfect teeth for common oral health problems. If cavities are detected before any cosmetic procedure, he’ll make sure the appropriate steps are taken to secure the health of one’s smile beforehand. Want a brighter set of teeth? Contact us via our website or by calling (321) 253-3136.