Making Your Dental Work Last

By drscotto@drscotto.com

March 12, 2014

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Schenectady cosmetic dentistry When you decide to make a change to your smile, you’re investing in new teeth. Naturally, you want that investment to last as long as possible. But our teeth (and dental work) can fall prey to damaging external forces. Fortunately, there are simple, daily steps you can take to ensure you reap the full rewards of your gorgeous, healthy smile. Put in a little extra work each day to see your efforts pay off – some forms of dental work will remain with you for decades.

Cosmetic Dentistry in Schenectady

Cosmetic dental work is both beautiful and functional. There’s no need to compromise tooth strength in order to change your smile’s appearance. Dr. Scotto will never make a cosmetic decision that weakens your grin – rather, the work will protect and preserve your natural teeth. Whether you get dental bonding, a porcelain veneer, or a porcelain crown, those treatments will support natural teeth by protecting your enamel and supporting the tooth’s structure.

Maintaining Brighter Teeth

Teeth whitening is incredibly popular and widespread. Different whitening systems offer various treatment experiences and results. No matter the whitening system you choose, you want to make sure that your brightened grin offers great longevity. Whitening results can only last so long, but there are home steps you can take to give them a boost.

Avoid staining habits. Some of the guiltiest staining agents are tobacco use and dark, acidic liquids (primarily coffee, red wine, and cola). If you must indulge, use a straw to drink, and rinse with water afterwards.
Watch out for grinding. The outer layer of your teeth is your enamel, a hard, protective surface that provides teeth with their white shade. Below the enamel is your dentin, which is naturally yellow. When patients grind their teeth and wear the enamel away, the dentin begins to show through. This darkens the smile’s appearance. Grinding has countless other unwelcome effects. Avoid them by asking Dr. Scotto whether you may benefit from a night guard.
Use fluoride products. Fluoridated mouthwash and toothpaste helps remineralize enamel, thickening its layer and protecting your teeth. Using fluoride prior to whitening can also help reduce tooth sensitivity.
Practice whitening upkeep. Using whitening trays at home will give your in-office whitening a boost! Follow Dr. Scotto's instructions to whiten at the appropriate frequency.

Preserving Dental Bonding

Schenectady cosmetic dentistry Bonding applies tooth-colored dental composite to teeth. This has cosmetic and functional benefits. Bonding isn’t as strong as porcelain restorations, but accomplishes many of the same results. In order to make your bonding last as long as possible, it’s important to treat it well.

Brush and floss the area gently but thoroughly.
Don’t bite into anything other than food (teeth should never be used as tools, but doing so is especially harmful to dental work).
No grinding! As with whitening, teeth grinding will cause problems. Applying that unnatural pressure to your bonding will likely cause chips and breaks.

Caring for Porcelain Dental Restorations

Porcelain restorations are the hardiest cosmetic treatments. The porcelain material is incredibly durable, and allows for lasting changes to be made to your smile. Because the restorative process is more involved than whitening or bonding, it’s vital that you treat your restorations with respect. Care for them as you would natural teeth (daily brushing and flossing), and be sure to clean at the gum line. Avoid exposing your restorations to extreme force (like that associated with bruxing) and they will continue to enhance your smile for many years to come.

Interested in learning more about home care for dental work? Simply contact our office for more helpful tips. We will base your personalized advice off your own teeth and existing dental work to help you take an active role in the state of your smile!