After a smile makeover procedure, it is only normal for individuals to want the results to last as long as possible. Before leaving the office, the dentist will provide some aftercare tips to help keep teeth white and appealing. This article covers important aftercare tips after getting teeth whitened.
Regular dental appointments and the touch-up whitening kits that the dentist provides are crucial parts of aftercare for any smile makeover procedure. Some of the points that patients need to consider include the following.
After a teeth-whitening procedure, the first two days are the most vital to the teeth’s appearance because they are more susceptible to staining at this period. Patients need to avoid consuming highly-pigmented meals such as tea, coffee, beets, cherries, chocolates, all types of berries and dark sauces. The use of tobacco should also be avoided completely. This will help preserve the results and prolong the teeth’ whiteness.
In the first few days after the procedure, it is best to avoid pickles, lemons and limes, sodas or just about any food or drink with acids. Professional teeth whitening treatment opens the pores of the enamel and makes it a bit weak at first. When the enamel is weak, the teeth are prone to plaque accumulation and decay; taking acidic foods or drinks further degrades the enamel.
Patients will also need to stop the habit of chewing on hard objects or food such as ice, pencils or popcorn kennels. The tooth enamel is strong and durable, but it is vulnerable to damages and will crack, break or chip if exposed to that amount of force.
Maintaining the appearance of the teeth after a smile makeover requires daily effort. It is essential to brush and floss daily to reduce discoloration and the accumulation of plaque on the teeth. It is also advisable to rinse the mouth with water after consuming colored or sugary foods if brushing is not possible; otherwise, chewing sugar-free gum can also help prevent plaque and stains on the teeth. Patients can strengthen their teeth by using fluoride-based toothpaste and mouthwash.
After a smile makeover treatment, it is important to visit the dental office regularly (at least twice yearly) for checkups and cleaning. During the appointment, the dentist will perform a deep cleaning on the teeth to polish and remove surface stains. It also allows them to monitor any changes to the smile. Through the routine appointments, the dentist will catch any dental issues promptly and provide treatment to restore the smile.
Depending on the type of teeth whitening procedure, the teeth should remain white for about a year. The durability of the whitening procedure lies in following the aftercare instructions and taking proper care of the teeth. If you have additional questions on how to care for your teeth after a smile makeover procedure, reach out to us to talk with the general dentist.
Request an appointment here: https://www.carmelsmilesdentist.com or call Smiles in the Village Dentistry at (317) 218-7985 for an appointment in our Carmel office.
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