It’s no surprise that cosmetic dental work can make a huge difference not just in how you look but also in how you feel. The confidence that comes from having the smile of your dreams can be life-changing. There are, however, a few simple recommendations that you’ll need to follow if you want your new smile to last for years to come.
Have a Good Oral Hygiene Routine
Practicing good oral hygiene is essential to keeping your mouth healthy and avoiding problems that can be both painful and unsightly and may counteract or eliminate the benefits of your cosmetic dental procedures. This means being sure to brush and floss regularly, keeping your teeth and the rest of your mouth clean.
If you’ve had crowns or veneers fitted, you’ll need to make sure you’re using an appropriate toothbrush as bristles that are too hard could damage them. Your dentist will be able to advise you as to which brushes will be appropriate, but if in doubt, stick with softer bristles.
Avoid Very Hot, Cold, or Hard Foods
There are several reasons to be careful with hot, cold, and hard foods following cosmetic dentistry work. The first is that your teeth will likely be more sensitive following the dental work, increasing the chances of pain and discomfort when eating them.
The second reason is that very hot and hard foods can damage crowns and veneers. Although both options are strong enough to endure everyday life, there is a definite risk of them becoming chipped or otherwise damaged when eating hard foods. This negatively affects their appearance and potentially necessitates additional repair work. For these reasons, it’s best to veer on the side of caution when eating after your cosmetic dental work, protecting your smile and avoiding unnecessary follow-up appointments.
Avoid Drinks Which May Stain
Drinks such as cola, coffee, and red wine can potentially lead to discoloration of your teeth, having a serious impact on your smile. This can be a particular concern if you’ve just had your teeth whitened and want to make sure that the results last as long as possible, but discoloration can be seriously detrimental to anyone’s smile.
It’s recommended to minimize or even eliminate your consumption of drinks that could potentially lead to staining to avoid the problem. There are kinds of toothpaste and mouthwash that aim to reduce your risk of staining, but it’s best to focus on ensuring you aren’t drinking excessive amounts of these drinks first.
Have Regular Checkups and Follow Your Dentist’s Advice
Having regular checkups with your dentist allows them to spot any issues developing before they can become the kind of problem that impacts your smile or interferes with any cosmetic work you’ve had. Most people should aim to have a checkup once every six months, but if your dentist advises you to do so more frequently, then be sure to consider their advice.
You should try to follow any other advice you’re given by your dentist, whether it’s during a checkup or following cosmetic work or other procedures. This will minimize the risk of complications as well as help to keep your smile looking amazing.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking for a checkup following some cosmetic work, or are considering doing something to improve your smile, Smilestone Dental in Downtown Vancouver is here to help. Contact our friendly team and arrange an appointment today.
