5 Tips to Keep Your Cosmetic Dentistry Looking Fabulous

You’ve finally gotten the smile you’ve always dreamed of. Congratulations! You’re ready to take on the world, armed with your fresh smile. Now…how long will it last?

With the right care, your cosmetic dentistry will last for years. However, that’s with the right care. It’s entirely possible to mistreat your teeth and find yourself back at your Barrie dentist for emergency repairs in a week. We all want to avoid this outcome, so today, we’re going to take a look at five small things you can do to keep your new teeth white, healthy, and brilliant.

1. Brush Your Teeth at Least Twice Every Day

This is the essential task. The ultimate protection. The absolutely-do-not-skip-this-step of maintaining healthy, clean teeth.

If you’ve had cosmetic dentistry work done by your Barrie family dentist, you may be lulled into a false sense of security. After all, your teeth look great now, right? So skipping a brush here and there isn’t a big deal…right?

Nah. You know what we’re going to say. Brushing is immensely important for your natural teeth, but it’s also how you’ll keep your cosmetic work looking brand-new for many years to come. Remember to choose a toothbrush that works for you, and make sure that you’re brushing for at least two minutes every time.

2. Say No to Sticky or Hard Food

Before you indulge in gummy candy or crunch down on a jawbreaker, consider the risk to your new cosmetic work. Sticky, hard food is already a bad choice for your teeth, but when you have a crown or veneer installed, these foods increase the chances of accidentally damaging or popping off the material. Tiny bits of these foods may also become stuck to your teeth, which creates the perfect environment for decay. Really, it’s a bad idea for both your cosmetic work and your natural teeth, so avoid these foods if you can.

• Toffee
• Sticky Dried Fruit
• Hard Candy
• Caramel Apples
• Nuts with Shells

3. In a Pinch, a Straw Can Help

We get it: no matter what your Barrie family dentist may say, there are some drinks you’re going to indulge in anyway. Few people are willing to give up their morning coffee or afternoon pop. So, if you’re getting ready to tuck into your favourite beverage as a treat, we can’t stop you – but there is something you can do to help protect your cosmetic work without sacrificing your drink of choice.

It’s a surprisingly simple trick. Just use a straw to drink your beverage. This works by allowing the liquid to minimize contact with your teeth, reducing the chances of trapping sugar or discolouration.

4. Stressed at Night? A Mouthguard Will Save Your Teeth

One of the worst things you can do for your cosmetic work is something that happens subconsciously: grinding your teeth at night. There are many reasons why someone might grind their teeth, and they usually have no control over whether they grind or not. If you know that you do grind your teeth (indicated either by jaw pain or the feedback of your partner), a simple rubber mouthguard will come to your rescue. The mouthguard will keep you from accidentally chipping, damaging, or grinding down your teeth during the night.

5. Make Good Dental Hygiene a Priority

Good cosmetic dentistry can restore both form and function to your teeth, but it’s up to you to maintain the transformation. This means being attentive to your teeth, brushing regularly, and, yes, flossing whenever you eat a food that might become stuck to or under your dental work. If you have dentures, clean them every time you take them out of your mouth.

We understand it can be a big change to make, but by committing to an extra few minutes after each meal, you can ensure that your glowing smile lasts for years and years – and we think that’s a tradeoff well worth making.

Can I Get Cosmetic Work Done at My Barrie Family Dentist?

The services offered by your dentist will depend on what the dentist themselves is qualified to take on. At Dr. Elston Wong, you can find cosmetic dentistry, preventive dentistry, prosthodontic dentistry, and orthodontic dentistry – and that’s just for starters. The best way to find out for sure if your dentist can do the work you want is to ask them.

For more information on the services offered at our Barrie family dentist office, including cosmetic and restorative dentistry, give us a call at (705) 721-1143. You can also send us a message online or talk to us via online chat.