The final installment four our blog series about smile makeovers is intended to help patients keep the results of their smile makeover for a really long time. There are some patients who make the mistake of getting lax with the maintenance, without realizing that negligence does take its toll on their restorations.

Maintaining the Great Results

All cosmetic dentistry procedures need regular care for oral hygiene and maintenance over time. For instance, porcelain veneers sometimes chip or break off, then needing replacement. Dental crowns often need replacement after 10 to 15 years. Teeth whitening also has to be performed occasionally if you want to maintain the brightness that you have after the first treatment. Gummy smile improvements may need enhancement over time. Even permanent composite bonding gets stained and could possibly need enhancement or replacement.

Of course, a lot of things contribute to the longevity of your smile makeover, including who your dentist chooses for a lab technician and ceramist, as well as the materials chosen. But as a general rule, if you want to achieve the best results possible, you need to take special care in choosing your cosmetic dentist and understanding the options available to you for material. Dental Laboratory Associates can refer you to the best cosmetic dentist in your area, so you can always give us a call if you’re considering getting a smile makeover.

Now let’s hit fast forward to after you’re done getting your smile makeover. How would you protect your investment?

Modifying your oral hygiene habits to suit your restorations better will definitely help you keep that wonderful new smile for years.  Here are some tips for you:

• Toothbrushing

Abrasive products, including your toothbrush and toothpaste, as well as your brushing habits can scratch the surface of your restorations and slowly dull their luster and polish. For this reason, we highly recommend that you choose a non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste. Of course, those that are originally developed for people with dental restorations are preferred. You should brush your teeth twice or thrice daily.

• Flossing

As you know, flossing is important if you want to remove plaque and other debris from your teeth. It also increases the lifespan of your restorations and helps you avoid tooth decay. It is especially crucial for those with veneers, as their particular restoration requires impeccable gum tissue health.

• Mouthwash/Rinsing

Mouthwashes that have alcohol can have a negative effect on your composite fillings. Furthermore, the alcohol content in the product can degrade the bond between your veneers or crowns and your natural teeth. It’s better to opt for the alcohol-free variant of mouthwash.

It is also important that you try to limit your intake of sugar and other snacks between meals to prevent cavities. To avoid staining your new smile, you should also reduce your consumption of coffee, tea, pop, and other coloured beverages.

We at Dental Laboratory Associates that sufficient information about cosmetic dental restorations is important for every patient. We hope this blog series about smile makeovers has been informative! Reach out to us for any inquiry about dental restorations or if you’re looking for a dentist who can perform one for you!