Cosmetic Dentistry
Today, cosmetic dentistry is more popular than ever, with procedures ranging from teeth whitening to shaping and closing gaps. If you recently underwent a cosmetic dentistry treatment, there are a few things you can do to ensure your teeth remain healthy and to keep your smile looking dashing and beautiful. Dr. Lipe has a wide array of tools and techniques at his disposal for improving the appearance of your smile. He provides personalized dental procedures from preventive dentistry to cosmetic and restorative dentistry. Here are a few things you can do to care for your cosmetic dentistry treatments, and keep your smile vibrant long after treatment.
Brush and Floss
The easiest way to care for your cosmetic dentistry treatments is flossing and brushing every day. Brush your teeth at least twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening, and floss at least once per day, preferably before going to bed. Brushing and flossing keep the mouth clean by removing food particles stuck between the teeth, thereby preventing decay and cavities from occurring. Brushing and flossing also help avoid staining caused by certain foods and drinks. The cleaner the teeth remain, the better they’ll look and the longer the cosmetic treatment will last.
Regular Dental Visits
The recommended amount of time to regularly see your dentist is after every 6 months. During this appointment, the dentist will carry out a series of procedures such as taking X-rays of your teeth. The X-rays will inform the dentist of any underlying issues that need attention. He or she will inform you what restorations are failing and which ones need to be replaced.
Next, the dentist will perform a visual examination of the mouth and teeth, to assess any problems that can be seen with the naked eye. He can spot signs of plaque and tartar buildup, tooth decay, gum disease, cavities, and gum recession. Most importantly, he will spot any problems with cosmetic dentistry treatment. Depending on the nature of the problem, the dentist will fix it immediately, before it progresses. Lastly, the dentist will give you a thorough dental cleaning to remove plaque and prevent cavities. Dental appointments are important for identifying and treating issues early and ensuring the cosmetic treatments last longer.
Protecting Your Teeth
Protecting the teeth is something that many people overlook. Protecting means avoiding bad habits and adopting good oral behaviors to help safeguard your teeth. Bad habits include chewing on ice, hard candies or using your tooth as a tool. The purpose of teeth should be limited to chewing food, and nothing else.
In addition to that, enhance your teeth’s protection by using suitable oral appliances. For example, you can wear a nightguard to protect your teeth if you clench or grind them when sleeping, a condition known as bruxism. Bruxism can wear down, crack or even break cosmetic devices. Wear a mouthguard if you play contact sports or are involved in any activity that might get your cosmetic treatments knocked out or broken.
If you’ve received any orthodontic treatments such as braces or Invisalign, wear your retainer every night to ensure the teeth get enough time to grow back into their original positions.
Staining Foods and Drinks
To protect your cosmetic investment, avoid food and drinks that stain. Examples include red wine, coffee, tea, and berries.
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