Our Top Tips For Keeping Your Smile Beautiful After Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry is a fantastic way to restore your smile and boost your self-confidence. But whether you’ve opted for a simple treatment like teeth whitening or a comprehensive smile makeover, there are a few steps you should take to make sure your new teeth stay beautiful.
The team at Life Dentistry wants you to have all the necessary information to help preserve your smile and keep your teeth looking beautiful after cosmetic treatment. Here are some of our top tips:
1. Avoid damaging veneers or bonded teeth with hard foods or non-food objects
This tip applies to teeth that have been treated with veneers or dental bonding, and even teeth that have been capped with a porcelain crown.
As a rule, you should avoid chewing extremely hard foods (ice, almonds, popcorn) with any tooth that has a veneer, or has been treated with dental bonding. Chew these foods with your rear-most molars, to avoid damaging your dental work. You should also avoid chewing on non-food objects, such as your fingernails, pens, and other items since these can damage your dental work.
2. Get a mouth guard if you grind your teeth
Expensive dental work can easily be damaged if you grind your teeth at night. See Dr. Martin for a mouth guard if you suspect that you regularly grind your teeth, or you may end up permanently damaging your new smile.
3. Maintain a healthy diet
Avoid drinking too much soda or alcohol, and reduce your consumption of sugar, as well as acidic foods. You should eat a diet that’s rich in calcium, fruit and vegetables, and complex carbohydrates.
4. Avoid overconsumption of food and beverages that can stain your teeth
Some foods, like blueberries, can also stain your teeth. Drinks like wine, coffee, and dark tea can also stain your dental work. Cut back on these beverages and consider drinking them with a straw to minimize contact with your teeth. Brush your teeth after consuming any of these foods or beverages.
5. Quit smoking
If you don’t quit smoking after a smile makeover, the time and money you spent on your cosmetic dental work may be wasted. Smoking will cause your new smile to become yellow and stained, and it will compromise your oral health. Don’t get a smile makeover unless you have already stopped smoking or you plan to.
6. Brush and floss properly
To keep your teeth bright and clean, be sure to brush at least 2-3 times a day for 2 minutes, and floss once per day. Consider investing in an electric toothbrush and a water flosser for even better results.
7. Never skip your six-month oral exam and teeth cleaning
Make sure you see Dr. Martin at Life Dentistry every 6 months. Your teeth will be cleaned, buffed, and polished, and your mouth will be examined to ensure that everything is in good shape.
learn more about cosmetic dentistry from Dr. Martin!
Lafayette cosmetic dentistry is a great way to restore your smile, but you must take care of your own teeth to ensure that your results are long-lasting, and that your smile stays bright and beautiful.
Interested in cosmetic treatments in Lafayette and Louisville? See Dr. Martin today for a cosmetic consultation. At your appointment, he will discuss your oral health, budget, and personal preferences to help you understand your best options for cosmetic treatment. Contact us now at (970) 289-5433 to get started, or come to our office at 110 Old Laramie Trail, Unit 100, Lafayette, CO 80026.