A smile makeover combines multiple cosmetic dentistry techniques to grant patients the smile that they’ve always wanted. A few standard cosmetic dentistry methods that patients typically stack in a smile makeover include:
- Chairside whitening
- Dental bonding
- Porcelain veneers
If you are fortunate enough to experience a smile makeover, it’s natural to want the effects to last as long as possible. Continue reading to uncover four ways to lengthen your smile makeover results.
1 . Limit coffee, tea, and red wine consumption.
Beverages like coffee, tea, and red wine contain staining agents called tannins. Repeated exposure to tannins can fade the effects of professional whitening and cause the teeth to be yellow again.
Limiting these stain-causing drinks will help the appearance of your smile. However, if you can’t do without them, try drinking them out of a straw. A straw can help avoid staining the front surface of your teeth as you sip.
Additionally, drinking water while you’re drinking these beverages helps to rinse the dark liquid off of your teeth. Besides that, drinking water helps combat harmful bacteria that cause bad breath and tooth decay.
2 . Give up tobacco products.
Similar to coffee, tea, and red wine, tobacco products can stain the enamel of your teeth. Beyond aesthetic reasons, smoking weakens the immune system and makes it more challenging to stave off bacterial infections, including gingivitis. Gingivitis is a gum infection that can cause the gums to look puffy, feel inflamed, and bleed.
When gingivitis is unmanaged, it evolves into full-blown periodontal disease (or periodontitis). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that tobacco in any form increases the risk of developing periodontal disease. Once periodontal disease sets in, sufferers cannot reverse it. (However, a general dentist can help patients manage periodontitis symptoms.)
Not to mention that smoking and chewing tobacco can increase the likelihood of gum recession. When the gums recede, the teeth appear longer, and the gaps between the teeth become noticeably wider. When periodontal disease is ignored, it can necessitate surgery and even lead to tooth loss in worst-case scenarios.
3 . Maintain excellent oral hygiene.
A good-looking mouth is a healthy mouth, and people must optimize oral health in-office and at home. The American Dental Association (ADA) estimates that 100 million Americans fail to see their dentist annually, although regular dental examinations can help people:
- Preserve an appealing smile and freshen breath
- Prevent oral health conditions and other diseases
Even if you brush and floss meticulously every day (twice a day), some aspects of a classic dental exam and cleaning must be handled in the hands of a dental professional. This includes tartar removal and oral cancer screening.
4 . Book maintenance treatments for whitening.
Teeth begin to discolor because of diet, age, and more. If you are interested in keeping natural teeth bright and white, talk to a dentist about maintenance whitening treatments when your teeth begin to fade.
Speak with a Cosmetic Dentist in Santa Cruz, CA
In summary, the key to long-lasting smile makeover results is optimizing oral-systemic health.
At Peabody Dental Care, Dr. Guy Peabody wants to learn more about your personal goals and find practical, affordable methods to help you achieve a gorgeous grin. At your earliest convenience, call 831-457-0343 or send us a message online to learn more about our cosmetic dentistry services and more.
