Family Friendly & Specialty Dentists in London, UK
Your complete guide to maintaining your new smile, ensuring long-lasting results from your cosmetic dental treatments.
These actions will help protect your new cosmetic work and ensure the best results.
These activities can affect the longevity and appearance of your cosmetic dental work.
After your cosmetic dental treatment, here's what we recommend to eat, or avoid.
These foods are safe for your new dental work and won't cause staining.
These items can stain or damage your cosmetic work.
Continue with these smile-friendly foods.
Keep avoiding these staining foods.
You can gradually include these foods with care.
Always be mindful of these items.
| Care Aspect | Details | Frequency | Tools/Products |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Maintenance | Brush gently twice daily with non-abrasive toothpaste, floss carefully around veneers and bonding, avoid whitening products on treated teeth, and rinse after consuming staining foods/drinks. | Daily | Soft-bristled brush, non-abrasive toothpaste, gentle floss, alcohol-free mouthwash |
| Professional Care | Regular dental cleanings, cosmetic work assessment, polishing of veneers/bonding, touch-up treatments as needed (e.g., whitening maintenance). | Every 4-6 months | Professional dental services |
| Preventive Measures | Avoid staining substances, wear night guard if recommended, protect teeth during sports, maintain good oral hygiene habits. | Ongoing | Custom night guard, protective mouthguard |
| Monitoring | Check for changes in color, chips or cracks, sensitivity, or gaps between restorations. Report any issues promptly to maintain aesthetic results. | As needed | Regular self-examination |
| Product | Brands | What it Takes Care of | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-Abrasive Toothpaste | Sensodyne Pronamel, Tom's of Maine | Gentle cleaning, Sensitivity relief | Safe for cosmetic work while protecting against sensitivity. |
| Ultra-Soft Toothbrush | Oral-B Sensitive, Colgate Slim Soft | Gentle cleaning | Extra-gentle bristles safe for veneers and bonding. |
| Gentle Dental Floss | Oral-B Glide, Cocofloss | Interproximal cleaning | Smooth floss that won't catch on cosmetic work. |
| Alcohol-Free Mouthwash | Crest Pro-Health, TheraBreath | Gentle rinsing | Won't damage bonding or affect cosmetic work. |
| Straw Set | OXO, Klean Kanteen | Stain prevention | Helps avoid staining from beverages. |
| Night Guard | Custom-fitted from dentist | Protection | Protects veneers and bonding while sleeping. |
| Sensitivity Relief Gel | Sensodyne, Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief | Sensitivity management | Provides relief for post-treatment sensitivity. |
| Polishing Strips | 3M, GC | Surface maintenance | Helps maintain shine of composite bonding. |
| Travel Cleaning Kit | Oral-B, Colgate | On-the-go care | Maintains cosmetic work while away from home. |
| pH Balancing Rinse | CariFree, ACT | Acid protection | Helps protect cosmetic work from acid erosion. |
| Whitening Maintenance Kit | Zoom, Opalescence | Color maintenance | Safe touch-up kit for whitened teeth. |
| Cosmetic Work Cleaning Kit | Dental Duty, ProCare | Specialised maintenance | Complete care kit for veneers and bonding. |
Tooth sensitivity is common after cosmetic treatments and typically lasts 3-7 days. The level of sensitivity varies depending on the procedure (whitening, veneers, or bonding) and individual factors. Using sensitivity toothpaste and avoiding very hot or cold foods/drinks will help manage any discomfort.
To maintain your bright smile, avoid staining substances like coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco. When consuming beverages that may stain, use a straw to minimize contact with your teeth. Rinse with water after meals and maintain excellent oral hygiene. Professional cleanings every 6 months will help keep your smile bright.
The longevity of cosmetic dental work varies by treatment type. Porcelain veneers typically last 10-15 years, composite bonding 5-7 years, and professional whitening results can last 1-2 years with proper maintenance. Good oral hygiene, regular dental visits, and avoiding harmful habits will help extend the life of your cosmetic work.
Wait at least two weeks after your initial whitening treatment before considering touch-ups. For maintenance, professional touch-ups are typically recommended every 6-12 months, depending on your habits and staining factors. Always consult your dentist before using any whitening products to avoid sensitivity or damage.
Care for veneers by using a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. Avoid biting hard objects, opening packages with your teeth, or grinding your teeth. Wear a night guard if recommended by your dentist. Regular professional cleanings and check-ups will help maintain your veneers' appearance and longevity.
Yes, composite bonding can be professionally polished to restore its shine and smooth surface. This is typically done during routine dental visits. If you notice your bonding becoming dull or slightly rough, schedule an appointment with your dentist for evaluation and possible polishing.
If you notice any chips, cracks, or damage to your cosmetic dental work, contact your dentist immediately. Small repairs can often be done in a single visit. Prompt attention to any damage will prevent further complications and maintain the aesthetic appearance of your smile.
Be cautious with whitening toothpaste as many contain abrasive ingredients that can damage cosmetic work. Use only non-abrasive toothpaste recommended by your dentist. Note that whitening toothpaste won't affect the color of veneers or bonding, as these materials don't respond to whitening agents.
Our specialist team is here to help you through your recovery journey.
