Many dental patients tend to think that the effects of a professional teeth whitening procedure are permanent. The truth is, no medical procedure works to infinity (even laser eye surgery needs redoing when patients acquire cataracts or their vision changes with age). The same holds true with teeth whitening; even if you purchase the most expensive professional whitening procedure, which involves lasers, the effects only last as long as you are willing to maintain them. If you want to get the most out of the money you spent making your smile whiter, here are some tips on how to maintain your teeth after your teeth whitening/ cosmetic dentistry procedure.
Now, More Than Ever, Brush
If you did not brush more than once a day before your procedure, it is even more important now to brush at least twice a day. By brushing away the acids found in many food and drinks, you can maintain the whiteness of your smile better and for much longer than brushing once a day (or less!). In addition to brushing more frequently to maintain the effects of your procedure, use a professional-grade tooth-whitening toothpaste. Your dentist may suggest or prescribe such a toothpaste right after your procedure is complete.
Consider Additional Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride treatments can help maintain your whitening procedure as well. This is especially important since a slight bit of fluoride may be lost to the whitening procedure and you will want to strengthen your teeth as much as possible to keep up a good dental defense. If you do not brush your teeth as often as you should, and/or you do not drink fluoridated city water, then it is even more important for you to get fluoride treatments once you have completed a teeth whitening procedure.
Avoid Frequent Consumption Of Dark-Colored Drinks Or Use A Straw
Coffee is notorious for ruining an expensive whitening procedure. If you have to have your coffee, consider using a straw to drink it, which will help it bypass your new, whiter teeth and not discolor them. Otherwise, stop drinking coffee altogether or, at least, cut back significantly so that you can preserve your new, bright smile. Other drinks that can ruin your smile include colas and root beers, both of which use dark-colored food dyes that yellow teeth and heavy sugars that turn into acids and eat away at the surface of your teeth. If you have to drink dark-colored drinks and cannot use a straw, do brush your teeth immediately afterward to remove the dyes and sugars that can ruin the effects of your procedure.
If you have more questions, consider contacting a professional like those at Carolina Forest Family Dentistry.
Share19 March 2016
As a busy professional, my public appearance is very important to me. Networking with potential clients and business contacts is as much about the image you present as it is about what you do and what you know. I take care to look my best every day by taking special care with my hair, makeup, and clothes. But for a long time, I was embarrassed about my smile, and restricted myself to tight, closed mouth smiles to hide my yellowed, crooked teeth. Then I discovered what cosmetic dentistry could do for me. With the help of a great cosmetic dentist, I decided to have tooth whitening treatments and use corrective tooth straightening equipment. Now I have no problem flashing a big, white smile everywhere I go. You can do the same thing! Find out how cosmetic dentistry can maximize your smile power and improve your life.