If you have found your way to this blog post, it’s likely that you have recently undergone a Smile Design procedure and your are interested in smile design care. If you had your procedure done by a reputable and attentive dentist, you may be feeling ecstatic with the results. However, if you went to a less experienced practitioner or one who didn’t listen to your needs, you may be feeling disappointed with the outcome of your investment.
For those who are thrilled with their new smile design care, it’s important to know how to properly care for it to ensure its longevity. In this article, we will provide a detailed guide on how to maintain your fresh smile design and keep that feeling of happiness for as long as possible.
On the other hand, if you fall into the group of individuals who are unhappy with their smile design care, we understand that this can be a frustrating and discouraging situation. It’s important to know that there are steps you can take to prevent further damage and address any concerns you may have. Toward the end of this article, we will also provide helpful tips on what you can do if you are not satisfied with your smile design results.
Well-done smile design care
- At this point, I understand that you’re likely feeling quite pleased with your new smile. However, it’s important to note that many patients experience a strange sensation in their mouth immediately following a smile design procedure. You may feel as though your teeth are larger than they should be, or that your bite is off. Rest assured, this is a completely normal reaction to having something new and different in your mouth.If you’ve had braces in the past, you may recall experiencing a similar sensation after they were first fitted. Typically, this feeling only lasts for a few days before your mouth adjusts to the changes. However, if you continue to experience discomfort for weeks or even months after your procedure, it’s important to have a follow-up appointment with your dentist. Lingering discomfort may indicate that the size of your bite has been affected, which can lead to issues such as bruxism or jaw pain if left untreated.
- Upon completion of your smile design treatment, you’ll be provided with a protective plate to safeguard your teeth. It’s crucial that this plate is made from a sturdy material to ensure optimal protection for your teeth. It’s worth noting that this protective plate is not the same as your soft whitening trays. In fact, using soft trays can actually increase the risk of damage, as they may cause your mouth to bite down harder on the surface.To keep your new smile in top shape, it’s recommended that you wear the protective plate every night. This is especially important because it’s during sleep when we have less control over our jaw movements and may unconsciously “click” our teeth together, which can be damaging to your smile design. So, be sure to follow your dentist’s instructions carefully and prioritize the use of your protective plate for optimal long-term results.
- It’s important to keep in mind that front teeth are not naturally designed for tearing or opening tough materials such as cans. Given the thinness of these teeth, it’s especially important to take care of your smile design to ensure its longevity. To protect your investment, it’s wise to avoid using your teeth to tear or bite into hard foods like bones, crispy arepas, firm pizzas, and crunchy plantain chips, among other items. These hard foods can cause damage to your smile design, potentially leading to fractures or other uncomfortable issues. By avoiding these problematic foods, you can help ensure that your smile design stays in top shape for years to come.
- Do not bite your nails: Nails are very hard, and eating them will gradually damage your smile design.
- The impact of dark foods on your smile design will depend on the specific materials used in your treatment. If you have a ceramic design, you’ll be happy to know that this material is quite resilient and doesn’t typically stain when exposed to darker foods like coffee, red wine, and similar items. However, if your design is made of resin, it’s important to be extra cautious when consuming these types of foods. Once resin becomes stained, it can be quite difficult to remove those stains. While you may be able to improve the color of your resin design with LED whitening sessions, it’s important to note that these treatments won’t have the same whitening effects as they do on natural teeth. Be sure to consult with your dentist about the best practices for maintaining the color and quality of your specific smile design.
- For those who have ceramic veneers, it’s recommended that maintenance appointments are scheduled every six months. During these appointments, your dentist will perform a thorough cleaning and examination to ensure that everything is in good condition and functioning properly. These regular check-ups are an essential part of keeping your ceramic veneers looking and functioning their best, so be sure to schedule them in advance to keep your smile shining bright.
- If you have resin veneers, it’s important to keep in mind that their maintenance requires a different approach than ceramic veneers. Unlike ceramic veneers, which have a layer of enamel applied and are baked at high temperatures to achieve their shine, resin veneers shine directly on the natural tooth, making them less resistant and prone to losing their shine over time. To maintain their appearance, resin veneers need to be polished in-office every four to six months to restore their shine and keep them looking their best. Make sure to schedule regular maintenance appointments with your dentist to ensure the longevity of your resin veneers.
Cares if you are not happy with your smile design
- In the event that you are dissatisfied with the outcome of your smile design procedure, it is crucial to have an open conversation with your dentist about your concerns. This will allow your dentist to assess the situation and determine what can be done to improve the results. In most cases, additional polishing and shining may be all that is required to achieve the desired outcome. It is recommended that you bring along reference photos and be clear about your expectations so that your dentist can work towards meeting them. This approach has proven to be successful in around 90% of cases.
- If you find yourself in a situation where you are not satisfied with the smile design that was performed on you, it is important to address the issue with your dentist first. They may be able to make adjustments or improvements to your design to better align with your expectations. However, if you feel that the dentist is being unethical or not treating you well, it is best to seek out another professional who can provide the care and attention you deserve.It is important to note that removing a smile design is not a simple process and requires careful attention and precision. Resins must be removed slowly and carefully to avoid damaging the natural tooth enamel. In my office, I use specialized techniques to identify the extent of the resin and where the natural tooth begins. I observe the difference between the dust released by the resin and the dust that barely appears to determine the location of the tooth. I also use a special lamp that emits a purple light to help identify where the tooth ends and the resin begins.
It is important to remember that the tooth is an irreplaceable part of the body that does not regenerate. Any damage to the enamel caused by improper removal of a smile design could result in permanent damage. Therefore, it is crucial to seek out a qualified and experienced professional to ensure the safe and effective removal of your smile design.
- In the event that your smile design is made of ceramic, it is significantly more challenging to remove due to its hard material. Additionally, given that ceramic veneers require a much larger investment than resin veneers, it is advisable to give yourself time to adjust to them before considering any removal. Waiting for about three months is a good idea. If, after that time, you are still not satisfied, it’s recommended to consult another dentist who can assess your teeth’s general state and take x-rays before making any decisions regarding the removal of your current ceramic veneers. This will help ensure that the process is carried out with care and precision to minimize any potential damage to your natural teeth.
- If you want to avoid any disappointment or regrets with a ceramic smile design, which is a more expensive option than resin, I suggest that you consider getting a mock-up first. This procedure involves creating a model of your desired smile using wax in a laboratory and then making a temporary acrylic impression in your mouth. With the mock-up, you can see how your new smile will look and make any necessary modifications to ensure that it meets your expectations. This way, you can be confident in your decision before committing to the final design. For information on the cost of smile design in Colombia, you can refer to the provided link.
- How much does it cost a smile design in Colombia in 2023?
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