Every so often someone comes in wanting veneers next week, and we have to slow things down a little. Often the gums are bleeding, or there's a cavity hiding between two teeth. Cosmetic work built on an unhealthy mouth doesn't last. So we always start with health.
Why it matters so much
A veneer or crown is only as good as what it sits on. If the gums around it are inflamed, they can swell up over the edge of new work or shrink back from it later, leaving a dark line along the gum. If there's decay underneath, it keeps spreading under the porcelain until it causes pain or the tooth breaks. Whitening on top of untreated cavities or exposed roots can be painful, and it won't hide decay anyway. In each case the money spent on the cosmetic part is wasted, and the problem is harder to fix afterwards.
There's also a simpler reason. Healthy gums look better. Puffy, red gums make even good teeth look neglected. For some patients, a proper clean and a few weeks of better brushing is most of what their smile needed.
What we check first
Before we talk about shape or shade, we look at your gums. Do they bleed when brushed or touched? Are there pockets between the gums and teeth where bacteria can sit? Is there tartar built up below the gum line? Bleeding gums are so common in Delhi that many people think it's normal. It isn't. It's the first sign of gum disease, and it's usually easy to treat at that stage.
We check every tooth for decay, including the ones you can't see well, using X-rays where needed. We look at old fillings and crowns, because a leaking filling next to a new veneer will cause trouble. We check for cracks, worn edges and signs of grinding. And we look at your bite, since teeth that hit too hard in one place will chip new work as easily as they chipped your own.
What getting healthy usually involves
For most people it's straightforward: a thorough scaling and polish, treatment of any cavities, and sometimes replacing an old filling or two. If the gums need more than a clean, we treat that first and give them a few weeks to settle. Gums take time to heal and firm up, and we want them stable before we take any measurements for the cosmetic work, otherwise the new teeth are designed around a gum line that's about to change.
A tooth that needs a root canal gets it before anything goes on top of it. And if you grind your teeth at night, we may suggest a night guard to protect both your own teeth and anything we make.
The part only you can do
None of this lasts without daily care at home. Brush twice a day with a soft brush, clean between your teeth with floss or interdental brushes, and come in for a check and clean every six months or so. If you smoke or chew tobacco, stopping will do more for your gums and the colour of your teeth than anything we can offer in the chair.
It can feel like a detour when you've come in for a new smile. But it's the foundation, and once it's done, everything that follows looks better and lasts longer.
Next, we'll walk you through your first smile consultation, from the photographs to the plan you take home.