Adjusting to your new smile may take a few days. Changes in your bite or tooth position are normal, and your brain will gradually adapt to these improvements.
What to Expect After Your Cosmetic Dental Procedure
If you notice any discomfort, pressure points, or your bite feels uneven, please contact our dental office to schedule a bite adjustment.
Mild changes in speech may occur temporarily but usually normalize quickly.
Tooth sensitivity to hot or cold is common following cosmetic work. This happens due to the removal of tooth structure and typically resolves within a few days to a couple of weeks.
Minor gum irritation or soreness near the treated area is normal. Rinsing with warm salt water 2–3 times a day will help soothe the area and promote healing.
If you received a local anesthetic, avoid eating or drinking anything hot until the numbness completely wears off. This prevents accidental burns or biting your cheek or tongue.
Common Sources of Discomfort
The injection site may show slight bruising or swelling. This is temporary and similar to a bruise elsewhere on the body.
Take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen or naproxen as recommended to manage pain or swelling.
Jaw soreness can occur from keeping your mouth open during the procedure. Apply an ice pack or warm compress and avoid chewing tough foods until it improves.
You may produce more saliva than usual for the first few days. This is a natural response and will normalize within a week.
Caring for Your New Smile
Brush and floss daily to maintain your dental work and prevent plaque buildup. This is essential for the longevity of veneers, crowns, or bonding.
Continue visiting our office for professional cleanings and exams to monitor your restorations and oral health.
What to Avoid
Protect your new dental work by avoiding:
Hard foods like ice, nuts, hard candies, caramel, frozen chocolate bars, and apples.
Using your teeth as tools to open packages, pull tags, or hold objects.
Chewing on pens, pencils, fingernails, or any non-food items.
Note: Damage caused by misuse (like chipping or fracturing veneers or crowns) may void any warranty offered by our lab.
Foods & Drinks That Stain
While it’s hard to completely avoid coffee, tea, red wine, or berries, they can stain your restorations just like natural teeth.
Use a straw whenever possible.
Rinse or brush after consuming stain-causing foods and drinks.
Use a whitening mouthwash as part of your daily routine.
Tobacco is especially damaging—avoid smoking for both health and cosmetic reasons.
Night Guards & Protection
We strongly recommend wearing a custom night guard after cosmetic dental procedures. It helps prevent damage from grinding or clenching during sleep.
If one was included in your treatment, wear it as directed. If not, we can easily make one for you.
For active individuals, we also offer custom sports mouthguards for protection during physical activity.
Contact Us With Any Concerns
Your comfort and satisfaction matter to us. If you have questions, experience unusual symptoms, or need adjustments after your cosmetic dental procedure, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
We’re here to help you enjoy your beautiful new smile with confidence!