Cosmetic Aftercare

After cosmetic materials are placed (laminates, bonding, composite fillings, touch-ups and maintenance appointments), please follow these cautionary procedures:

• Avoid flossing for 2 (two) days. Afterwards, use waxed floss only from the biting edges to the gum then thread it out.

• Avoid alcohol and dark liquids for 48 (forty-eight) hours. Please note that alcohol usage can reduce the life of your restorations. (Please note some mouthwashes contain alcohol or are deeply pigmented i.e. Listerine, Scope, and Lavoris…)

• Avoid wearing dark lip color for 48 (forty-eight) hours.

• To prevent staining and minimize maintenance it is recommended to visit us 3 (three) times a year for a professional cleaning.

• Do not be concerned if you should encounter minor speech alterations (S’s, F’s or V’s) the first 2 (two) days after major cosmetic changes. Accommodation occurs rapidly.

• To maintain your restored smile, you can immediately brush with a handheld electric brush. Whitening toothpastes and other abrasive toothpastes may alter the surface texture of the restorations. It’s recommended you use fluoridated toothpaste (Crest, Colgate, Aim or Aquafresh). In foreign countries, use non-fluoride pastes only because foreign fluoride paste may stain bonding.

• Avoid biting any hard foods with your teeth. Keep to minimum any sticky, sugary foods that may weaken the bond between the restorations and the tooth.

• Lifestyle changes: don’t chew ice, bones, fingernails, cuticles, frozen ice bars, pencils, pens or spare ribs or the shells of shellfish.

• If you clinch or grind your teeth, a custom bite guard could prevent the restorations from fracturing while you sleep.

• Immediate or excessive use of coffee, tea, soy sauce, cherry colas, alcohol, or dark fruit juices will shorten the life of your restorations.

• Do not use your teeth as a tool to open candy wrappers, bottles, pens, nuts or to grasp pins screws, paperclips, etc.