You made the decision to transform your smile. Whether you chose porcelain veneers to correct discoloration and chips, or dental implants to replace missing teeth, you have invested in yourself. Now, the goal is to make sure that investment lasts a lifetime.
At The Dental Design Center in White Plains, NY, we see firsthand how a restored smile changes lives. Under the leadership of Dr. Ira Handschuh—a renowned cosmetic dentist and member of the Board of Directors for the Empire State Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (ESACD)—we help patients from Elmsford, Tarrytown, Rye Brook, Yonkers, and beyond achieve confidence through their smiles. But the work doesn’t stop when you leave the chair. Proper maintenance is crucial for longevity.
Why You Chose Restoration
Patients usually turn to veneers or implants to solve specific problems. Veneers are thin shells of porcelain designed to cover the front surface of teeth, often used to fix gaps, permanent stains, or misshapen teeth. Implants, on the other hand, are the gold standard for replacing missing teeth, providing a permanent root and crown that functions just like a natural tooth.
Regardless of the procedure, these restorations are significant financial and emotional investments. Protecting them means protecting your confidence and your wallet.
A Practical Care Guide for Your New Smile
While veneers and implants are incredibly durable, they are not indestructible. They require specific care to remain pristine.
Daily Hygiene Habits
Your home care routine is your first line of defense.
- Brush Gently but Thoroughly: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Hard bristles can scratch the surface of veneers, dulling their shine over time. For implants, brushing keeps the gum tissue healthy, preventing peri-implantitis (inflammation around the implant).
- Non-Abrasive Toothpaste: Avoid harsh whitening toothpastes or those with baking soda. These can be too abrasive for porcelain surfaces.
- Floss Daily: This is non-negotiable. For implants, consider using a water flosser or specific implant floss to clean around the gumline effectively. Healthy gums are the foundation that holds your new smile in place.
Watch What You Eat
Your new teeth are strong, but certain habits can compromise them.
- Avoid Hard Foods: Chewing on ice, hard candy, or pens can chip veneers or damage the porcelain on implant crowns.
- Staining Foods: While porcelain is stain-resistant, the bonding material or surrounding natural teeth are not. Minimize coffee, red wine, and dark berries, or rinse with water immediately after consuming them.
- Sticky Foods: Extremely sticky candies like caramel can pull on restorations or get trapped in hard-to-clean areas, inviting bacteria.
The Importance of Regular Check-Ups
Even with perfect home care, professional maintenance is essential. Regular visits to Dr. Handschuh at The Dental Design Center allow us to monitor the integrity of your veneers or implants. We check for signs of grinding (bruxism), which can be disastrous for cosmetic work. If we detect grinding, we may recommend a custom night guard to protect your investment while you sleep.
Long-Term Success
Your new smile is designed to be a permanent part of your life. By following these simple guidelines, you ensure that the artistry provided by Dr. Handschuh remains as beautiful as the day it was completed.
If you have questions about maintaining your current restoration or are considering a smile makeover, contact us today. We are proud to serve White Plains and our neighbors in Elmsford, Tarrytown, Rye Brook, and Yonkers.
