How to Take Care of Your Teeth After a Cosmetic Procedure?

Have you just undergone a cosmetic dental procedure? These procedures have become popular in individuals looking to improve the contour and shape of their natural teeth.

The field of cosmetic dentistry includes teeth-whitening treatments, dental bonding, dental crowns, veneers, inlays, and onlays, etc. Proper aftercare is necessary for the results of these treatments to remain for a longer period. Therefore, patients should follow the clear set of aftercare instructions provided by their cosmetic dentists.

We hope you find the aftercare tips below helpful after the procedure.

Practice good oral hygiene

Optimal oral hygiene is of the utmost importance to practice after undergoing a cosmetic dentistry procedure. Patients are expected to brush their teeth either after each meal or at least twice daily for two minutes. Also, flossing once per day prevents plaque from accumulating over time. The same goes for rinsing your mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash once daily to eliminate the bacteria responsible for plaque accumulation.

Regular brushing and flossing are recommended in order to avoid gum disease and tooth decay, which affect the look of veneers and crowns. Although dental implants are immune to cavities, good oral hygiene habits prevent the growth of bacteria. Nowadays, most cosmetic dentistry specialists, like Eschenbach cosmetic dentistry in roanoke VA, provide a wide range of cosmetic services. These professionals are experienced in the installation of porcelain veneers, crowns, dental implants, etc.

Patients should follow the aftercare tips provided by cosmetic dentists regarding oral hygiene. For instance, caring for your new veneers is similar to caring for your natural teeth. Nevertheless, the movements you make mustn’t be aggressive so as to avoid damaging your veneers. These laminates are highly susceptible to chips and cracks. Perhaps you should consider investing in an electric toothbrush to control your movements better.

Moreover, brushing your teeth or rinsing your mouth after having a meal is helpful in avoiding tooth stains. If brushing takes too much of your precious time, try using mouthwash or simply drink a glass of water to remove the pigments.

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This practice is recommended to everyone having undergone teeth-whitening treatment or had dental veneers installed. Although veneers are considered resistant to staining, pigments can still stain the adhesive used to connect the laminate and the tooth.

Switch to another toothpaste

Another useful aftercare tip is switching to a different toothpaste than the one you’ve been using so far. Make sure you choose whitening, non-abrasive toothpaste to maintain the white color of your teeth while preventing any damage done to your veneers or bonded teeth. Learn more about the procedure, advantages, and lifespan of dental bonding.

Additionally, individuals who have recently undergone a cosmetic dentistry procedure should steer clear of abrasive toothpaste, such as the types containing baking soda. The abrasive nature of this ingredient is likely to wear down their bonded teeth or porcelain laminates. Gritty types of toothpaste also have the potential to damage porcelain.

Chew carefully

Following such cosmetic procedures, individuals are suggested to be careful when it comes to chewing. Having a tooth restored with the help of a crown, bonding, or veneer means you should no longer chew on hard foods. Therefore, you shouldn’t chew on ice cubes, almonds, nuts, hard candy, popcorn, etc. Remember to use the other teeth when eating such foods, not the restored ones.

Careful chewing doesn’t only apply to food but to other objects as well. For example, people should refrain from chewing on pens, pencils, and fingernails. Restored teeth must never be used as a tool for opening bags or packages. Keep in mind that the force you use to chew on hard foods and objects is likely to cause damage to your teeth.

Avoid staining and acidic foods

People undergoing teeth-whitening treatments should be particularly careful in the course of the first 48 hours after the appointment. Once the treatment is completed, teeth become more sensitive and prone to blemishes over the first two days. As a result, people should stay away from teeth-staining ingredients such as wine, beets, berries, coffee, tea, chocolate, tomato sauce, sodas, etc.

In addition, your aftercare routine isn’t supposed to include acidic foods like pickles, lemons, oranges, limes, and soda. In the course of teeth-whitening treatments, the pores of the enamel are weakened. Therefore, in the first 48 hours, your teeth are at risk of getting stained and decayed, making acid the perfect enemy. If possible, don’t stop practicing these habits after the recommended aftercare period. Colored and acid foods might still stain or damage your enamel.

Nevertheless, some foods should be included in your aftercare routine to preserve the whiteness of your teeth. These ingredients include crunchy fruits and vegetables like carrots, green beans, celery, apples, etc. The secret of these fruits is their ability to improve the flow and production of saliva. This colorless fluid is in charge of cleaning the teeth and eliminating the acids.

Apart from eating crunchy veggies and fruits, individuals should increase their dairy products intake as well. These meals are copious in nutrients and minerals like calcium, capable of preventing tooth decay.

Wear a night guard

Another helpful aftercare tip for individuals who clench their teeth is wearing a night guard. These devices prevent grinding and clenching, which leads to cosmetic restoration damage. Their job is to relieve the tension and provide cushioning for the jaw muscles.

Even though most people are reluctant to wear such a device due to the discomfort it causes, a night guard reduces tooth damage, morning headaches and promotes sleep. You should rinse the guard after each use, brush it with a toothbrush, and dry it before storing it in a case. Never leave the night guard wet inside the case to impede bacteria growth.

In conclusion

The tips mentioned above will help you maintain your cosmetic restoration in perfect condition.

Optimal aftercare is the key to a bright and healthy smile!

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