People undergo smile makeovers to dramatically improve the appearance of their teeth. After a dental team helps you achieve your dream smile, you may want to know how to make the outcome last longer. 

Here are six ways that smile makeover recipients can prolong their results:

1. Follow a consistent oral hygiene schedule. 

At-home dental care helps prevent health problems and staining on natural teeth. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends brushing the teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled

brush and fluoride toothpaste. Brushing helps scrub away food and plaque (a sticky bacterial film) that form on the teeth.

In addition to brushing, the ADA also recommends cleaning between teeth once per day. Floss can reach cavity-causing bacteria (plaque) where toothbrush bristles can’t reach. When people don’t remove plaque, it hardens and forms crusty, destructive tartar.

2. Choose oral health products wisely.

Speaking of at-home oral hygiene, the products that people use to clean their teeth matter. As a general rule, choose products that are gentle yet effective:  

• Soft-bristled toothbrushes are often recommended because excessive pressure or overzealous brushing can destroy the enamel, gums, and restorations. Furthermore, change your toothbrush every few months because an old toothbrush cannot clean as well as a new one.
• Non-abrasive toothpaste protects dental restorations, especially veneers, the best. Also, it’s important to note that whitening toothpaste is formulated for natural teeth and will not brighten ceramic restorations.
• Gentle mouthwashes can kill oral bacteria without damaging the bond used in fillings, crowns, and veneers. Avoid harsh ingredients, like alcohol. 

3. Watch what you eat (and drink).

How does your diet affect the results of your smile makeover? Certain foods and drinks can chip or dislodge restorations, increase the risk of decay and disease, and discolor enamel:

• Hard foods (like ice or nuts) can fracture ceramic restorations. 
• Sticky foods (like caramel or taffy) may loosen the bonding for crowns and veneers.
• Hard, sticky, and stringy foods are more likely to get caught between the teeth. If not removed, the teeth become more vulnerable to cavities and gum disease. 
• Staining foods and drinks can slowly reverse the effects of whitening treatments.

4. Schedule routine dental exams and cleanings.

Most dentists recommend that patients visit their clinic every six months for checkups and professional cleanings. During these appointments,  dentists monitor the state of the patient’s mouth and remove potentially damaging buildup. If a hygienist does not remove tartar in time, it can contribute to gum irritation and disease

5. Monitor oral health. 

Keeping a watchful eye on your oral health can help preserve the effects of a smile makeover and overall wellness. Have you experienced recent changes in your smile? Please don’t ignore it. Neglecting dental and gum issues can lead to a requirement of more intensive procedures in due course.

6. Stop smoking.

Biomed Central announced that 28% of smokers expressed having moderate and

severe levels of dental discoloration (compared to 15% in non-smokers). People

often choose a whitening treatment (such as whitening or veneers) as a component

of their smile makeover. Consequently, smoking can ruin the brightening effects

of both of these treatments.

A benefit of porcelain veneers is that they are impervious to discoloration. However, the

composite material attaches each veneer to the corresponding tooth CAN stain. Smoking may cause the edges of the teeth to darken. 

Discuss Your Smile Makeover Options

Optimal oral health is the key to long-lasting smile makeover results.

Dr. Abbey Lee serves people in Atlanta, GA, and helps them obtain the smile they’ve always wanted through smile makeovers. If you would like to start your smile makeover, please call 404-328-7177 or message us online to book an appointment.