How to care for your teeth after a cosmetic dental treatment

Knowing how to take care of your teeth after a cosmetic dentistry procedure will help you maintain your smile and get the most out of your treatment.

Here to provide various aftercare tips for cosmetic dentistry patients is Dr Sahil Patel, leading cosmetic dentist based in London.

How should I care for my teeth following a cosmetic dental procedure?

Most ceramic materials in use today are to be looked after just as you would natural teeth.

There are no particular differences, but some good practices to employ (even with your own natural teeth) include:

• Ensuring you see a dental hygienist at your recommended interval (which can range from 3-12 months based on your risk).
• Avoiding biting very foods on your front teeth.
• Wearing a night retainer.
• Using interdental cleaning aids, such as floss, superfloss, water flossers, and interdental brushes.
• Attending dental appointments once yearly for repolishing, if you have had composite resin bonding.

What are the best practices for maintaining the results of teeth whitening treatments?

Practices include:

• Topping-up the teeth whitening with one application every 2-3 months.
• Ensuring optimum dental hygiene in the morning and in the evening.
• Avoiding acidic foods and/or drinks at least one hour before you brush your teeth.

Are there specific dietary or lifestyle changes to preserve the longevity of cosmetic dental work?

Dietary or lifestyle changes include:

• Avoiding smoking, vaping, caffeine, and alcohol.
• Attending dental heath checks at your recommended interval so that any pathology can be detected early.
• Wearing a night retainer.
• Cleaning interproximally (the areas in between the teeth) using interdental brushes and floss.

Can I still maintain good oral health while having cosmetic dental enhancements?

Absolutely! Cosmetic dental work will not impact good oral hygiene, and thus your hygiene methods should remain similar.

In the event that you have had bridges and/or implants, there are slight variations to the cleaning methods, in particular with the use of superfloss and water flossers.

What is the aftercare routine for veneers, dental implants, or other cosmetic treatments to ensure they last?

Those who have undertaken a treatment of veneers are usually advised to have yearly dental health checks. Similarly, this applies to implants and other cosmetic treatments, such as composite resin bonding, contouring, and gum contouring.

You are welcome to see your cosmetic dentist for health checks going forward, but as many people travel from across the country, you may wish to see your local dentist for health checks for your convenience.

If you’re considering cosmetic dentistry and you would like to consult your options with an expert, don’t hesitate to book an appointment with Dr Sahil Patel via his Top Doctors profile today.