Caring for Your Smile After Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry can work wonders, not just for your smile but also for your self-esteem. However, it is not cheap. It takes time and money to make your smile look gorgeous. So, it is vital to take steps when caring for your smile to preserve that work. That is true whether you have had a simple teeth whitening procedure or a more in-depth cosmetic treatment.

The first step is to maintain good oral hygiene. Many people assume you must have had lousy hygiene if you needed cosmetic dentistry. That is only sometimes the case. In fact, bad teeth are often linked to a lack of financial resources to get routine dental care. Whether your brushing and flossing habits were great before your procedure, they must be great afterward. You want to brush and floss your teeth. You should brush for at least two minutes twice daily or more. You want to floss at least once per day. In addition, you should also get professional cleanings and exams at least every six months.

Do you eat or drink things that can stain your teeth? Coffee, tea, red wine, and berries are some of the common culprits. If so, you want to brush your teeth after eating or drinking. That can help prevent stains. Sometimes brushing may not be possible. No problem. Rinse with mouthwash if you can. If not, try drinking a glass of water after having something that can stain your teeth. It can help prevent staining.

Remember that any “fake” surfaces are not as strong as your natural teeth. You can crack or break crowns, veneers, and bonded teeth. After you get your cosmetic dentistry, your dentist will give you a list of foods to avoid eating. Please pay attention to that list. If you do not, you may end up with a damaged smile, undoing your hard work. If you are a tooth grinder, use a nightguard at night to protect your teeth. Plus, keep in mind that teeth are not tools. The only thing your teeth should be doing is chewing food.

If whitening was part of your cosmetic procedure, you can make it last longer by using whitening toothpaste at home. Your dentist may also provide bleach trays and a stronger bleach for touch-ups between visits. The more you keep up with your dentists’ recommendations, the longer your smile will last.

Ready to get started on your new smile journey? Give Comprehensive Dentistry a call.