You finally have the smile you wanted. Your teeth look straighter, brighter, and more balanced, and now you may be wondering how to keep them that way. The good news is that most cosmetic dental restorations, like porcelain dental veneers, can last many years with proper care.
The best way to protect a smile makeover is to treat your cosmetic restorations as part of your overall oral health. Read on to learn how the best cosmetic dentist in Houston can help you maintain your smile makeover with expert care for your restorations and gum disease prevention.
How to Care for Your Teeth After a Smile Makeover
The basic rules of good oral hygiene still apply after cosmetic dental treatment. Brush twice a day, clean between your teeth daily, and keep up with regular professional cleanings and exams.
These habits matter even more after cosmetic dental treatments because dental veneers, crowns, and other restorations do not protect the surrounding teeth and gums from disease. Bacteria can still collect along the gumline, leading to gum disease and tooth decay along the edges of the natural tooth.
Foods and Habits That Can Damage Veneers and Cosmetic Restorations
Porcelain is strong, but it is not indestructible. Biting directly into hard foods, chewing ice, or using your teeth to open packages can put concentrated force on a restoration and increase the risk of chipping your restoration or fracturing the natural tooth underneath. Other habits worth avoiding include:
- Chewing pens or fingernails
- Biting hard candy
- Opening packages with your teeth
- Chewing ice
- Frequently biting very hard foods with the front teeth
- Ignoring a new or uncomfortable bite
While porcelain itself is highly resistant to discoloration, natural teeth and some cosmetic materials can change color over time. Coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco can stain natural tooth structure and cause uneven brightness along your smile. This is one reason to choose a dentist known for providing the best smile makeovers in Houston. An experienced cosmetic dentist can plan your treatment and aftercare, giving you the best chance of keeping your cosmetic restorations looking like a natural part of your smile.
Do You Need a Night Guard After a Smile Makeover?
If you clench or grind your teeth, a condition known as bruxism, a night guard is an important part of protecting your investment. Bruxism can expose veneers, crowns, and natural teeth to repeated forces that occur hundreds or thousands of times during sleep. This can lead to broken restorations, jaw pain, and expensive treatments down the road. Clues that you may be grinding or clenching your teeth at night include morning jaw soreness, headaches, flattened or chipped teeth, increased sensitivity, or a history of broken dental work. Additionally, if you play contact or high-impact sports, consider a properly fitted athletic mouthguard.
How Long Can Dental Veneers Last?
Cosmetic dental work has no single expiration date. Veneers from Sapphire Smiles Dentistry can last anywhere from five to 20 years, depending on how well you care for them. Proper oral hygiene, avoiding habits like clenching or grinding your teeth, and not biting your fingernails can extend the lifespan of your veneers. When you choose the best cosmetic dentist in Houston, you can expect high-quality veneers and personalized care instructions to ensure your veneers remain beautiful and durable for many years.
Where to Find the Best Cosmetic Dentist in Houston for Veneer Maintenance
A beautiful smile makeover should fit into your life for years, which is why smile makeover maintenance matters just as much as the initial treatment. The team at Sapphire Smiles combines cosmetic planning with ongoing dental care to help protect your teeth, gums, and restorations long after treatment is complete.
Our team is led by Dr. Antoun, whose advanced training in aesthetic dentistry, continuing education, and membership in the American Dental Association, Texas Dental Association, and Greater Houston Dental Society inform the individualized care we provide to every patient.
Ready to ensure your smile makeover stays beautiful and strong for years to come with help from the best dentist in Houston?
.avif)
.svg)
.svg)
.svg){kind=small}
.svg){kind=small}
.svg){kind=small}
