Remember that it will take time to adjust to the feel of your brand new bite. When the bite is altered or the position of the teeth is changed it takes several days for the “brain” to recognize the new position of your teeth or their thickness as normal.
If you find out some high spots or problems with your bite please call us so that we can arrange an adjustment appointment for you.
It’s normal to experience some hot, cold, and pressure sensitivity.
Removing tooth structure and placement of new materials may result in a period of adjustment.
Your gums may also be sore for several days. Rinse three times a day with warm salt water (a tsp of salt in a cup of warm water, rinse-swish-spit) to reduce pain and swelling. Mild pain medication should ease your discomfort during the adjustment period.
Don’t be concerned if your speech is affected for the first few days. You’ll quickly adapt and be speaking normally.
You may notice increased salivary flow. Your brain may respond to the new size and shape of your teeth by increasing salivary flow. This should subside to normal within a week or two.
After each appointment when anesthetic has been used, your lips, teeth, and tongue may be numb for several hours after the appointment. Please avoid any chewing until the numbness has completely worn off (if you are hungry it is recommended to have liquids instead in this period).
Daily plaque removal is critical for the long term success of your dental work. Maintain regular oral hygiene routine. Daily brushing and flossing is a must.
Regular cleaning appointments in our office are also critically important. We’ll use the appropriate cleaning abrasives and techniques for your specific cosmetic work.
It’s important to change habits to protect your new teeth.
Any food that could chip, crack, or damage your natural teeth can do the same to your new cosmetic restorations. Avoid sticky candies, any unusually hard foods substances, (such as peanut brittle, fingernails, pencils, or ice).
Avoid or minimize your use of foods that stain such as tea, coffee, red wine and berries. Smoking will quickly yellow your teeth.
Let us know if you grind your teeth at night or engage in sports so we can make you a custom mouth guard to protect your teeth.
Note that your direct veneers can lose its shine, chip or break depending on our own habits and how well you look after your teeth. The good news is that they can be repaired relatively easily. If this does happen to you over the course of time please contact our office and we will schedule a appointment to help you.
