Home care following a cosmetic procedure is a critical factor in the continued success of the treatment. At our Harley Street Dental Clinic we find that our patients who observe a fastidious daily routine to take care of their dental health are able to enjoy their smiles for a lot longer. A common misunderstanding regarding cosmetic procedures is that they do not require such stringent oral health practices as natural teeth.
How to care for 3 common cosmetic treatments at home
Dental cosmetic procedures range from gum lift surgery to porcelain veneers to teeth whitening. Here’s our suggested guide to home oral health care for common cosmetic dental treatments.
- Teeth whitening
Teeth whitening procedures performed by a dental practitioner are the safest and most effective option to brighten teeth. Your cosmetic dentist in Harley Street will recommend a cleaning and brushing regimen that includes proper techniques, products and tools. You may even be required to use custom made teeth whitening trays at home to continue the whitening process.
- Dental veneers
Seeing that dental veneers are an investment in the quality of your smile, they require special maintenance and aftercare to keep them healthy. Proper care will go a long way to keep your veneers looking their best. The following tips work best to preserve the longevity of your veneers:
- Avoid grinding your teeth
One of the most destructive behaviours that affect veneers is to grind your teeth. Grinding can cause damage to the outer layer of the veneer by cracking or breaking the surface and may even cause the cap layer to separate from the natural tooth. One effective way to prevent grinding is to use a mouth guard when sleeping, exercising or playing a contact sport.
- Avoid smoking and consuming excessive alcohol
Smoking will discolour veneers, causing them to become yellow. Excessive alcohol can damage the bonding composites that keep veneers and natural teeth together.
- Avoid certain foods and drink
What you eat and drink can have a negative effect on veneers. Hard and chewy types of food place excessive stress on veneers that may result in them chipping or breaking. It is best to avoid: crusty bread such as toast, sticky sweets such as toffee and foods and beverages that stain (dark berries, tomatoes, red peppers and tea and coffee).
- Gum lifts
Cosmetic gum lift is a popular procedure that improves the appearance of a smile by getting rid of unsightly excess gum tissue. For more information on this procedure, please contact our cosmetic dentist in Harley Street.
The healing following a gum lift treatment is very quick. The following aftercare suggestions will help avoid complications and infections: an alcohol-free mouthwash should be used twice a day to rinse the mouth, brush teeth twice a day taking extra care to be gentle on the gum area, prevent plaque build-up by flossing properly and avoid smoking.
The most effective way to protect the quality of all dental cosmetic treatments is regular dental check-ups. These check-ups are important to ensure that everything is as it should be and further treatment be sought to prevent minor issues from becoming more serious. Haven’t had a check-up in a while? Schedule an appointment today at Harley Street Dental Clinic.