Cosmetic dentistry is an investment in the long-term health and beauty of your smile! As many of these treatments are costly, you’ll want to make them last! Improving your oral hygiene habits is a good start to keeping your smile looking its best in the long term. But there’s more you can do to extend the results of your cosmetic treatments.      Â
These aftercare tips from your cosmetic dental team at Humber Valley Dental can keep your smile looking great for years to come! For your convenience, we serve residents in Bolton and Palgrave, Ontario.
1. Brush & Floss Daily
Keeping your smile strong and healthy will help extend the longevity of cosmetic dental results. Good oral hygiene will help accomplish that goal. Brush at least twice daily with a soft-bristle toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste that won’t harm your bonding treatment or scratch your veneers. Floss daily to remove food and debris from between your teeth. Rinse your mouth after meals to minimize plaque buildup that can dull your smile or put you at risk of cavities.
2. Eat a Healthy Diet
Your food choices can impact the quality of your smile and shorten the lifespan of cosmetic treatments. Overdoing stain-causing foods and drinks can cause stains to reappear after teeth whitening. Hard foods can chip or crack dental crowns and veneers, warranting a trip to our cosmetic dental office for damage control. Sugary and acidic foods can weaken your teeth, increasing your risk of cavities and tooth loss. A healthy diet will strengthen your teeth, improve gum health, and prolong the results of cosmetic dentistry.
3. Control Bruxism
Teeth grinding can shorten the lifespan of composite fillings, veneers, and bonding. If you habitually grind your teeth at night, wear a night guard to protect these restorations and your teeth from harm. And while you’re at it, never use your teeth as tools!
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4. Protect Teeth from Sports Accidents
There’s nothing wrong with living a full and active lifestyle after cosmetic dentistry. You just need to be more mindful of possible risks to your smile. If you play contact sports, wear a mouth guard to protect your cosmetic restorations and teeth.
5. Continue with Routine Checkups & Cleanings
Dental checkups and cleanings are still needed after cosmetic dentistry. Routine cleanings will maintain the gleam of teeth whitening and keep your straightened teeth in mint condition. Routine checkups give your dentist a chance to inspect your crowns, fillings, and veneers periodically to ensure they’re in good shape.
6. Stop Smoking and Limit Alcoholic Drinks
Smoking will stain your teeth and dull your smile, diminishing the effects of veneers, bonding, and teeth whitening. Smoking also increases your risk of gum disease, which can lead to premature tooth loss! Excessive alcohol use can weaken the bonding materials used to cement crowns and veneers in place, causing them to loosen or fall out. If you want your cosmetic treatments to last, avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol consumption is a must!
Cosmetic Dentistry Services Near Me
To learn more about cosmetic dentistry in Bolton and Palgrave, ON, contact Humber Valley Dental at (289) 536-4498.
