If you are a patient who has invested both time and money in your smile with cosmetic dentistry, you obviously to keep it looking its best for as long as possible. Whether you have porcelain veneers, crowns, or dental bonding, make sure that your smile is receiving the best of care at home and the dental office.

Here are a few care tips to help you keep your new smile in excellent condition.

Professional Dental Care

If you’ve already made the wise investment to perfect your smile, you will want to be sure it stays in top condition for many years to come. Cosmetic dentistry requires specialized professional dental care to keep your smile looking its best.

Some maintenance procedures that work well for natural teeth or metal restorations can ruin ceramic or composite materials. If you’re seeing a new dentist and you have had cosmetic dental work performed in the past, be sure to mention your existing work to the new dental staff, so they do not use damaging products on your restorations.

Ultrasonic Scalers

If you have cosmetic dental work, ultrasonic scalers must be used with great caution. If misused, they can easily damage the appearance of dental crowns, veneers, or composite bonding which leaves the restored teeth vulnerable to tooth decay.

Polishing

Regular pumice polish should not be used on composite bonding as it can leave scratches and cause tooth erosion. An aluminum oxide polishing agent should be used instead. Polishing devices that us a forceful spray of sodium bicarbonate should never be used on porcelain and composite restorations. Although your restorations will look great immediately after cleaning, their appearance will rapidly deteriorate if these devices are used.

Fluoride Treatments

The hydrofluoric acid contained in some fluoride treatments can scratch porcelain dental crowns and veneers, breaking the surface glaze. Any treatments used on cosmetic dental restorations should contain natural fluoride only.

Home Care For Dental Restorations

Follow these home-care tips to care for your cosmetic dental restorations properly.

• • Protect. Use a mouthguard when engaging in sports.
  • Oral hygiene. Maintain excellent oral hygiene practices to protect the natural proportions of your teeth.
  • Teeth grinding. If you are known to grind your teeth in either stressful situations or at night while you sleep, invest in a night guard.
  • Things to avoid. Avoid biting into hard objects, chewing on non-food items with your teeth, or chewing on ice.
  • Avoid excessive alcohol consumption. Large amounts of alcohol consumed daily can damage both direct bonding and the luting material that holds porcelain veneers to your teeth.

Ask For Guidance From Your Hygienist

Your dental hygienist can help you by keeping your restorations clean and advising you on maintenance you can perform at home to ensure they last as long as possible. Your hygienist and Dr. de Jongh can help you find the best products to keep your new smile looking and feeling like new.

Use a Dentist You Can Trust

You and your dental professional need to have a trusting relationship when it comes to maintaining your dental restorations and how to best manage them long-term. Visit your dental office regularly for routine cleanings and exams to ensure your restorations are in excellent condition. Don’t be afraid to ask questions at every appointment. Dr. de Jongh and our staff are always happy to answer any questions you have regarding your oral health.

Even if you have dental problems that have concerned you for years, a radiant, a healthy smile is an attainable goal with a little help from cosmetic dentistry. Schedule a consultation with Dr. de Jongh today to learn how you can improve your smile.