Can Smokers Undergo a Smile Design?
Cosmetic blemishes detract from the smile’s beauty and leave many embarrassed to smile, laugh, or talk in front of others. When multiple flaws are present, restoring a beautiful smile may feel hopeless. Fortunately, a smile design can effectively address a comprehensive range of dental imperfections to give patients the bright, white, attractive smile they desire.
Dr. Nathaniel Podilsky offers customized smile design treatment at his Edmonton, AB, dental practice. He combines appropriate cosmetic dentistry treatments to best meet each patient’s unique needs. Dr. Podilsky is frequently asked, “can smokers undergo a smile design?” Here we discuss how smoking affects smile design candidacy and special considerations for treatment.
Are Smokers Ideal Candidates for a Smile Design?
Smoking has a significant impact on a smile’s health and aesthetics. Smoking increases the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, tooth loss, and oral cancer. Smoking also discolors the teeth and creates dental stains. Given the overall effects that smoking has on the smile, smokers should be ideal candidates for a smile design, provided they have good oral health, are prepared to care for the teeth and gums, and are aware of potential treatment limitations.
What Should Smokers Know About Smile Design Treatment?
Smoking generally is not an issue regarding smile design candidacy. A smile design benefits smokers by addressing dental flaws so they can enjoy the appearance of their smile. However, there are some special considerations when offering a smile design to a patient who smokes.
Smokers should know that some treatment results may be limited due to smoking. For instance, teeth whitening may not erase dental stains or brighten the teeth to the same degree for a smoker as it does for a non-smoker. Smokers may also not be candidates for certain dental procedures. For example, smokers are at high risk of dental implant failure, so implants are not suitable for patients who cannot refrain from smoking in the months before and after dental implant treatment.
What Types of Treatments Can Benefit Smokers?
While there may be some limitations, a smile design is often the most effective way for smokers to restore their smile’s appearance. Dr. Podilsky personalizes each smile design treatment based on our Edmonton patient’s needs and desires. While each smile design is unique, some procedures tend to be popular among patients who smoke, including:
- Professional teeth whitening
- Dental bonding
- Veneers
- Dental fillings
- Periodontal treatment
How Can Smokers Preserve Smile Design Results?
Smile design results can last many years, provided our Edmonton patients maintain good oral hygiene habits. Smokers need to be thoughtful about oral care because of the negative effects smoking has on the smile. To preserve smile design results, smokers should consider quitting smoking. We understand that smoking is a hard habit to eliminate. If quitting is too difficult, smokers should adopt these practices to prolong smile design results:
- Brush the teeth at least twice a day and floss daily
- Stay well hydrated
- Brush the teeth or rinse the mouth with water after smoking
- Schedule dental exams and cleanings at least twice yearly
Contact Us
If you are unhappy with your smile’s appearance due to cosmetic imperfections, you may be an ideal candidate for a smile design. To discuss your concerns with Dr. Nathaniel Podilsky, contact our dental practice online and request a personalized consultation.