Breaking any bad habit is hard, especially when dealing with one as addictive as using tobacco. What better way to reward yourself for your efforts than by restoring your smile to its former glory? Dr. Todd Pizzi, a cosmetic dentist who provides teeth whitening in Shrewsbury, MA, discusses treatment options for patients whose oral health has been impacted by years of tobacco use.

Restoring Your Oral Health

Before you pursue cosmetic dental treatment, your dentist may recommend focusing on the health of your teeth and gums. Some procedures, such as porcelain veneers, require your teeth to be relatively healthy to ensure a successful outcome. Others, such as teeth whitening, can cause gums to be sensitive in patients who have gingivitis or advanced periodontal disease, both very common in smokers.

Beautifying Your Tar-Free Teeth

If you have used tobacco products for an extended amount of time, professional teeth whitening treatment may not be sufficient to restore the natural color of your tooth enamel. Fortunately, you still have options. Cosmetic bonding uses composite resin to cover the stained surface of your teeth, and it can be made to achieve virtually any natural shade. Bonding also masks chips or superficial cracks in teeth, and it is popular for filling in gaps between teeth. It’s an excellent choice for anyone who wants fast results; your dentist can complete the procedure during just one visit.

For the ultimate improvement, we recommend porcelain veneers. Veneers accomplish everything that cosmetic bonding does, but with a more natural appearance. Although you will need to visit your dentist two or three times to receive your veneers, our patients remark that the time is well worth it. The translucent porcelain that makes up each veneer has a beautiful, natural appearance that is as close to natural tooth enamel as possible. As an added bonus, porcelain veneers are resistant to stains—not that you’ll be smoking, of course.

Kick a bad habit, get a beautiful smile. To learn more about our cosmetic dental treatments, or to schedule an appointment with one of our doctors, contact us at (508) 842-8838. We provide cosmetic, preventive, and restorative dental care to residents of Shrewsbury, North and South Grafton, Hopkinton, Milford, and the surrounding communities.