Although smoking is generally recognized to have negative consequences on one’s general health, its implications on the outcomes of cosmetic dentistry are sometimes overlooked. Although the goal of cosmetic dentistry operations is to improve the appearance of your smile, smoking can seriously undermine these outcomes, resulting in less-than-ideal results or perhaps necessitating more treatments. This article discusses the effects of smoking on different cosmetic dental operations and the reasons it’s so important to stop smoking to keep a beautiful, healthy smile.
Staining and Yellowing
Discoloration of the teeth is one of the most obvious impacts that smoking has on your cosmetic dentistry. Nicotine and tar are well-known for yellowness around your teeth. For even the best teeth whitening treatments, these stains can develop quickly and counteract your results of achieving a beautiful white smile.
Not only is smoking bad for your teeth and health, but it can also affect the outcome of other dental procedures especially cosmetic ones like whitening or veneers. As you keep smoking, all the staining agents and toxins stay in your mouth so then as years go by teeth whitening can become less efficient since it only focuses on what is visible to the naked eye. However, they are not stain-resistant and this could cause your restorations to look different than the surrounding natural teeth over time as tooth-colored dental resins absorb stains.
Elevated Chance of Oral Cancer
One major and perhaps fatal side effect of smoking is oral cancer. Even though it has nothing to do with cosmetic dentistry, oral cancer can make operations more difficult and cause delays.
Gum Disease & Receding Gums
Smoking is one of the most common causes of gum disease and it might also affect the outcome following cosmetic dentistry. Periodontal disease, or gum disease is an infection of the gums that results in swelling and bleeding of tissues leading to eventual tooth loss. Healthy gums are also gels important for people who have undergone cosmetic procedures such as crowns, bridges, or veneers – the longevity of these items in place is dependent on good gum health.
Often a result of smoking, receding gums can cause the roots to be uncovered leaving them sensitive and unsightly. This will counterbalance the benefits of any cosmetic treatments devised as corrective actions aimed at achieving that perfect, smooth smile. Gum disease can even progress to tooth loss in the worst cases, making all that cosmetic treatment null and void by requiring more extensive restorative work.
Cosmetic Dentistry Results Last More than You May Think
For anybody having cosmetic dentistry operations, one of the most important factors to consider is how long the results will last. Smoking significantly reduces the longevity of aesthetic dental treatment, necessitating more regular maintenance or replacements. For example, bonding and composite fillings are less effective and less aesthetically pleasing in smokers because of increased wear and discoloration.
Why Smoking is Important to Give up
Because smoking can sabotage the positive effects of cosmetic dentistry, it is crucial for anyone who wants a perfect smile to quit. Quitting smoking not only helps with general oral health but also in the success and longevity of cosmetic dental work.
Those who quit smoking have better oral health, as their gums heal more quickly and they are less likely to run into problems when undergoing cosmetic dentistry. Moreover, patients will not have to worry about yellowing their teeth from smoking and can keep the pearly whites that have been restored through procedures such as veneers or tooth whitening. But regular smoking cessation here is not only a cosmetic purpose for a better healthy life and a broader sense of well-being.