Okemos, Lansing, East Lansing MI
If you’ve chosen to correct, brighten and whiten your smile with dental implants or veneers, congratulations! There’s nothing like the confidence boost that you’ll receive from restoring your smile to its youthful glow.
Once you’ve decided to invest in yourself and your smile, you certainly want to know how to take care of those new pearly whites. Dr. Christine Tenaglia is our cosmetic dentist in Okemos who specializes in dental implant and veneer application, and she has compiled the following tips to help you know how to care for your cosmetic enhancements.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush
A soft-bristled toothbrush is our Lansing dentist office’s general recommendation because soft nylon brushes are less harsh on tooth enamel and gum tissue, and it’s also what we suggest for restorative treatments like veneers and implants. Hard, stiff bristles on toothbrushes can scratch the surface of your teeth, including implants and veneers.
Floss daily
The majority of Americans skip flossing as part of their normal oral hygiene routine, which leaves them susceptible to tooth decay. Toothbrush bristles cannot reach certain places, like between teeth, in the mouth. A couple minutes a night can stand between you and a cavity. This is especially true with implants and veneers. While implants and veneers, themselves, can’t get cavities, other teeth around them — and, in the case of veneers, any exposed natural tooth — can decay. Plaque can grow around an implant and veneer, which can lead to other oral health issues.
Avoid abrasive dental products
Abrasive products, such as certain toothpaste, can irritate the gums around your implants and veneers. Abrasives can also scratch the surfaces of your restorative treatments.
Avoid certain foods
Veneers and implants are durable, but they’re not indestructible.
To prevent damage, avoid or limit your exposure to the following foods:
- Hard, crunchy or chewy foods, including popcorn and nuts. Steaks and crispy raw fruits and vegetables should be cut into very small pieces.
- Sticky foods and candies. This includes caramel and taffy.
- Tobacco and alcohol
Keep appointments with your dentist
This tip is always important, but it’s especially critical once you have dental implants or veneers. Our Okemos cosmetic dentist will need to keep a watchful eye on your implants and/or veneers. No different from natural teeth, our dental team will give your dental implants/veneers a professional cleaning twice a year. This will keep them in the best shape possible.
Dental Implants and Veneers in East Lansing and Okemos
We know you’re going to love your new smile with dental veneers and/or implants, and if you already have a new smile, we know you love every minute of showing it off! Be sure to take care of your implants and veneers by following these tips from Dr. Tenaglia. If it’s time to schedule a checkup, give Tenaglia Smiles a call at (517) 940-8684, or reach us online today.