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Libertyville, IL 60048
Investing in cosmetic dentistry transforms more than your appearance. It changes how you present yourself to the world, boosting confidence in both personal and professional settings. Once you've achieved your ideal smile, protecting that investment becomes essential to ensure your results last for years to come.
At Dental Health & Beauty, we help patients maintain their beautiful smiles long after their cosmetic dentistry treatments are complete. Dr. Nicholas Polito and our team provide the guidance and care you need to keep your veneers, whitened teeth, and other restorations looking their best.
Your daily oral hygiene routine forms the foundation of cosmetic dental maintenance. Brush twice daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. Aggressive brushing or harsh abrasives can damage the surface of veneers and other restorations over time, dulling their appearance and potentially causing premature wear. Flossing remains just as important with cosmetic work as it does with natural teeth, as gum disease and decay can develop around the margins of veneers and crowns, compromising both your oral health and the longevity of your restorations.
Consider using an alcohol-free mouthwash as part of your routine. Some alcohol-based rinses can weaken the bonding agents used to secure cosmetic restorations. An alcohol-free formula provides the antibacterial benefits you need without any potential risk to your dental work, helping you maintain both the health and appearance of your smile.
Certain habits can shorten the lifespan of your cosmetic dental work significantly. Avoid using your teeth as tools to open packages, tear tags, or crack nuts. While porcelain veneers are durable, they're not designed to withstand these types of forces, and damage from misuse typically isn't repairable. If you grind or clench your teeth, especially at night, discuss a custom night guard with us. Grinding places excessive force on your teeth and any cosmetic work, potentially causing chips, cracks, or premature wear.
Be mindful of extremely hard foods. While you can enjoy most foods normally with veneers and other cosmetic work, biting directly into very hard items like ice, hard candies, or unpopped popcorn kernels may cause damage. Use common sense and err on the side of caution with anything particularly hard or crunchy to protect your investment.
If you've invested in professional teeth whitening, certain foods and beverages can gradually diminish your results. Coffee, tea, red wine, and dark-colored sodas are common culprits. You don't need to eliminate these entirely, but being aware of their staining potential helps you make informed choices. When consuming staining beverages, consider using a straw to minimize contact with your front teeth, and rinse your mouth with water after eating or drinking pigmented foods.
Tobacco use, whether smoking or chewing, significantly impacts the appearance of whitened teeth and cosmetic work. Beyond the staining effects, tobacco increases your risk of gum disease, which can compromise the foundation supporting your dental work. If you use tobacco, consider this another compelling reason to quit for both your oral health and the longevity of your cosmetic restorations.
Professional checkups play a crucial role in maintaining cosmetic dental work. We recommend visits every six months for cleanings and examinations at our general dentistry practice. During these appointments, we can identify small issues before they become major problems, potentially saving you time and money in the long run. Professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar regular brushing may miss, particularly around the margins of veneers and crowns.
These visits allow us to check the integrity of your cosmetic work, ensuring everything remains properly bonded and functioning as intended. We'll assess your bite, look for signs of wear, and make recommendations for any adjustments or touch-ups you might need. Our hygienists use techniques and tools designed to clean cosmetic work safely without causing damage while maintaining its luster.
Cosmetic dental work represents an investment in yourself, and proper care ensures you enjoy the benefits for many years. Simple daily habits combined with professional maintenance protect your investment and keep your smile looking as stunning as the day your treatment was completed.
Dr. Polito and our team at Dental Health & Beauty are committed to helping you maintain the results you've worked hard to achieve. We provide personalized guidance based on your specific treatments and lifestyle, ensuring you have the information and support needed to care for your smile properly. Whether you're due for a routine cleaning or have questions about caring for your cosmetic work, we're here to help. Contact us today to schedule your next appointment and continue enjoying a confident, beautiful smile.
Dr. Nicholas Polito has dedicated over 30 years to transforming smiles and delivering exceptional dental care to the Libertyville community. As an accredited cosmetic dentist, Dr. Polito has completed extensive training and performs numerous smile makeover cases, combining artistry with advanced dental techniques. His practice, Dental Health & Beauty, is built on a foundation of comprehensive general dentistry while maintaining a focus on cosmetic excellence.
The information provided in this blog is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical or dental advice. Every patient's dental needs are unique, and treatment recommendations may vary based on individual circumstances. While Dr. Polito and the team at Dental Health & Beauty strive to provide accurate and current information, this content is not intended to replace a consultation with a qualified dental professional. If you have questions about your oral health or are considering any dental procedures, please schedule an appointment for a personalized evaluation and treatment plan.
