Maintaining Smile Enhancement Results
Maintaining Results after Cosmetic Procedures
Following a smile enhancement or other cosmetic procedures, it is vital for patients to be diligent in their oral care. Maintaining good oral health aids in preserving the results of your procedure. Good oral hygiene at home combined with regular visits to the dentist helps to maintain cosmetic dental work. Below is a guide for how to maintain a beautiful smile following cosmetic dental treatments.
Maintenance
In order to preserve the beauty and function of your smile over time, you must maintain the cosmetic dental work. Treatments may range from veneers to crowns, or even dental implants. Below is a high-level overview of how to properly care for cosmetic treatments:
• Care for Restorations: While these restorations are durable, they can also be susceptible to damage, staining, and chips. Patients must practice good hygiene at home and avoid harmful habits such as chewing on things or using the teeth as tools.
• Gum Health: Healthy gums are important as they support the teeth and dental work. When the gums have an infection or inflammation, it can compromise the restoration or put it at risk for failure.
• Oral Hygiene: Good oral hygiene includes twice-daily brushing and daily flossing. This helps remove plaque and prevent buildup. Good oral hygiene continues to be critical when patients have received cosmetic treatments.
• Dental Visits: Patients should continue to visit the dentist regularly for a professional cleaning and examination. These visits help ensure any issues are detected and resolved right away.
Aftercare
Aftercare aids in protecting cosmetic dental work and maintaining the results. The following are tips for how to maintain a bright, healthy, and beautiful smile:
1. Brushing – A soft-bristled toothbrush should be used with fluoride toothpaste when brushing. Patients should use gentle pressure to prevent damage to the teeth and gums.
2. Flossing – Flossing each day helps to remove plaque and debris between the teeth and around the gums. The floss is able to reach areas of the mouth that cannot be accessed by a toothbrush.
3. Diet – A healthy diet is also important for maintaining cosmetic results. Avoid acidic foods or drinks that can stain the teeth, such as coffee, tea, or red wine. Patients can drink water or rinse their mouth after consuming these things to help prevent discoloration and stains.
4. Protection – The teeth should only be used for eating food and not as a tool or to open things. Do not chew on hard objects such as ice or plastic, as this can cause serious damage.
Procedure Aftercare
In addition to practicing good oral hygiene, there are specific instructions based on certain cosmetic treatments. Below are specific aftercare tips to help maintain results for common cosmetic procedures:
• Bridge: It can be easy for plaque or food to be trapped below a bridge, which can result in tooth decay and gum irritation. The dental professional will advise on how to use special tools, including interdental brushes or floss threaders, to effectively clean the restoration.
• Crown: Patients with a dental crown must be diligent in flossing around the base of the restoration. This aids in preventing the accumulation of plaque. Patients with a temporary crown should not consume hard or sticky foods, which can easily damage or move the crown.
• Dental Implant: It is important to keep the implant area clean while it is healing. Patients can rinse the mouth gently with salt water in addition to regular brushing and flossing. The gum line near the implant should be closely monitored for any issues. While it is not possible for an implant to have a cavity, it is possible to develop gum disease or other gum issues.
• Filling: Once the numbness wears off after a filling, patients can continue eating and drinking. It is important to be disciplined with good oral hygiene and monitor the filling for any issues.
Call the office today to speak with our team and determine if you are a good candidate for smile enhancement procedures. Our team looks forward to working with you to help you achieve and maintain a beautiful smile for many years.
Related Article: What is Smile Enhancement?