Cosmetic dentistry can be the best solution for patients with crooked, broken, or discolored teeth. Treatments range from tooth whitening, porcelain veneers, or Invisalign. You can schedule a consultation with your dentist to determine the most effective plan for your aesthetic goals. Once you complete cosmetic dental work, you want to ensure the enhancing effects last as long as possible. Dr. Jim Lassiter, a dentist serving the Milton, FL area, describes habits to avoid to protect your teeth after cosmetic dentistry services.
Biting fingernails
Your teeth are durable and can withstand the wear and tear of chewing food, but biting hard objects, including fingernails, can damage your teeth. Fingernail biting is a common behavior for individuals, especially those with anxiety. However, though the act can be widespread, it is not harmless. Biting your nails can crack, chip, or break your teeth, which can require dental work to fix. It can also harm tooth bonding or veneers already completed by a dentist. The repairs can be expensive. To maintain the integrity of your cosmetic dental work, try to reduce stress and find alternative methods to keep your fingernails trimmed.
Grinding teeth
Biting hard objects can harm teeth and dental work, and grinding or clenching teeth can similarly damage them. This behavior, called bruxism, can occur without an individual’s awareness, often happening while asleep. The pressure of grinding and clenching can break natural or prosthetic teeth or veneers.
Stress is a common cause of this behavior, and your dentist may recommend stress relief exercises to improve your oral health. A mouthguard can protect your teeth from grinding that occurs while you sleep. If you suffer from bruxism, your dentist might recommend alternative cosmetic treatment to porcelain veneers to avoid potential breakage. Talk to your dentist about bruxism prevention if you intend to pursue cosmetic dentistry.
Skipping teeth cleaning
Proper oral hygiene maintains the health of your teeth and gums by keeping decay at bay. Your dentist recommends brushing twice a day and flossing daily to keep teeth strong. Cosmetic dentistry requires a foundation stable enough for treatment, which means your teeth need to be in good shape if you want to enhance your smile.
Good oral hygiene habits, including mouthwash, can prevent teeth discoloration too. Regular dental cleanings, scheduled twice a year, can prevent damage to your natural teeth and provide preventative care to avoid oral problems that can affect your cosmetic dental work down the road. Maintaining a consistent cleaning schedule for your teeth will ensure overall oral health.
Find cosmetic dentistry services near Milton, FL
Dr. Lassiter offers tooth whitening, porcelain veneers, and other cosmetic dentistry services for patients near Milton, FL. Our practice also provides general and restorative dentistry for patients of all ages. To schedule an appointment with us, contact our office online or reach us by phone at 850.203.3318.