Maintaining Your Cosmetic Dental Work: Tips for Longevity

Cosmetic dentistry is a great way to enhance your smile and confidence. Whether you have teeth whitening, dental veneers, dental implants, or any other cosmetic procedure, you want to ensure that your investment lasts as long as possible. We want to share some tips on maintaining your cosmetic dental work and increasing its longevity. We will also explain why Dr Ghodsi, a highly experienced and trusted cosmetic dentist at Lasting Smiles Dental Care in Las Vegas, is one of the best choices for cosmetic dentistry needs.

Teeth Whitening

In 2020, about 37 million people in the USA used tooth whiteners. Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic dentistry procedure that can brighten your smile and remove stains from your teeth. Our Las Vegas cosmetic dentists provide the most reliable and cutting-edge teeth whitening procedures. However, teeth whitening is not permanent and can fade over time due to various factors, such as diet, smoking, aging, and medication. To maintain your teeth whitening results, you should:

• Avoid or limit foods and drinks that can stain your teeth, such as coffee, tea, wine, berries, and sauces.
• Brush your teeth twice daily with a whitening toothpaste and floss daily to remove plaque and bacteria.
• Rinse your mouth with water after eating or drinking anything that can stain your teeth.
• Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and touch-ups.
• Use whitening products at home as your dentist recommends, such as trays, strips, or gels.

Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are thin shells of porcelain or composite resin bonded to the front surface of your teeth to improve their shape, color, size, or alignment. Veneers are durable and resistant to stains but can still chip, crack, or wear down over time. To maintain your veneers, you should:

• Avoid biting or chewing on hard objects, such as ice, pens, or nails, that can damage your veneers.
• Wear a mouthguard if you play sports or grind your teeth at night to protect your veneers from trauma.
• Brush your teeth gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a non-abrasive toothpaste, and floss carefully to avoid scratching or dislodging your veneers.
• Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and adjustments to ensure your veneers fit properly and look natural.
• Avoid or limit foods and drinks that can stain your teeth, such as coffee, tea, wine, berries, and sauces, as they can affect the color of your veneers over time.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots surgically placed into your jawbone to support a crown, bridge, or denture. Implants are designed to last a lifetime, but they can fail or become infected if not cared for properly. To maintain your implants, you should:

• Brush your teeth twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a low-abrasive toothpaste, and floss daily to remove plaque and bacteria from your implant and the surrounding gum tissue.
• Use an interdental brush or a water flosser to clean the hard-to-reach areas around your implant.
• Rinse your mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash to prevent infection and inflammation.
• Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and examinations to monitor the health and stability of your implant and the adjacent teeth and bone.
• Avoid smoking, as it can impair the healing and integration of your implant and increase the risk of complications.

Crowns and Bridges

Crowns and bridges are two types of dental restorations that can improve the appearance and function of your teeth. However, they are not immune to wear and tear and require proper care and maintenance to last longer and look better. Here are some tips on how to take care of your crowns and bridges:

• Brush your teeth twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste. This will help remove plaque and bacteria from your teeth and gums, and prevent decay and infection. Be gentle and thorough when brushing around and under your crowns and bridges, as these areas are more prone to accumulating food debris and plaque.
• Floss your teeth daily using a floss threader, a dental pick, or a water flosser. These tools will help you clean the spaces between your teeth and around your crowns and bridges, where regular floss may not reach. Flossing will also help prevent gum disease and bad breath.
• Rinse your mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash after brushing and flossing. This will help kill any remaining bacteria and germs and keep your mouth fresh and healthy. You can also use a fluoride mouthwash to strengthen your tooth enamel and prevent cavities.
• Avoid biting or chewing on hard or sticky foods like ice, candy, nuts, or gum. These foods can damage or dislodge your crowns and bridges, and cause cracks or fractures. If you have a habit of grinding or clenching your teeth, you may need to wear a night guard to protect your crowns and bridges from excessive pressure and wear.
• Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings. Your dentist will examine your crowns and bridges and make necessary adjustments or repairs. Your dentist will also clean your teeth and remove any tartar or stains that may have formed on your crowns and bridges. You should see your dentist at least twice a year, or more often if you have any problems or concerns with your crowns and bridges.

Other Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures

Many other cosmetic dentistry procedures, such as bonding, crowns, bridges, dentures, inlays, onlays, and orthodontic treatment, can improve your smile. Each procedure has its own specific care instructions, but some general tips to maintain your cosmetic dental work are:

• Follow your dentist’s post-operative instructions and recommendations carefully to ensure a smooth recovery and optimal results.
• Maintain good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing, flossing, and rinsing with the appropriate mouthwash, to keep your teeth and gums healthy and prevent decay and disease.
• Visit your dentist regularly for routine check-ups and cleanings to detect and treat problems early and prevent further damage.
• Avoid habits that can harm your teeth, such as smoking, chewing tobacco, alcohol consumption, biting your nails, or using your teeth as tools.
• Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals and low in sugar and acid to support your oral health and prevent tooth erosion and cavities.

Why Choose Dr Ghodsi for Your Cosmetic Dentistry Needs?

If you are looking for a cosmetic dentist in Las Vegas, contact Dr. Ghodsi at Lasting Smiles Dental Care. For over 30 years, he has performed cosmetic dentistry procedures, helping thousands of patients achieve their dream smiles. He is also a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the American Dental Association, and the Nevada Dental Association, and he is committed to continuing education and staying updated on the latest techniques and technologies in cosmetic dentistry. 

Dr Ghodsi offers a wide range of cosmetic dental work, such as teeth whitening, dental veneers, dental implants, smile makeovers, and more, using the most advanced equipment and materials. He also provides personalized and compassionate care to each patient, ensuring they are comfortable and satisfied with their treatment. Dr Ghodsi is one of the best cosmetic dentists in Las Vegas, and he can help you achieve the smile you have always wanted.

Call Us Today to Schedule Your Appointment!

If you are interested in cosmetic dentistry and want to learn more about your cosmetic dental work options, contact us today. We will happily answer your questions and schedule your appointment with Dr Ghodsi. Call us at (702) 259-5295 or complete our online form. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you transform your smile!