After cosmetic materials are placed (laminates, bonding, composite fillings, touch-ups and maintenance appointments) please follow these cautionary procedures:

1. Avoid flossing for 2 days. Afterwards, use waxed floss only from the biting edges to the gum - then thread it out.

2. Avoid Alcohol and dark liquids for 48 hours. Afterwards, immoderate alcohol could reduce the life of your restorations. Avoid mouthwashes that contain alcohol or are deeply pigmented. (listerine, scope, lavoris)

3. To maintain your restored smile, you can immediately brush vigorously or use an electric brush, like the interplak. Baking soda toothpaste and other abrasive toothpastes may alter the surface texture of restorations. It's ok though to use fluoridated crest, Aim, Colgate and Aquafresh, but once a day you should use a toothpaste designed for cosmetic restorations (supersmile and rembrandt). In foreign countries use non-fluoride pastes only - foreign fluoride pastes may stain bonding.

4. Lifestyle changes - don't chew ice,bones, fingernails, frozen chocolate bars, pencils or spare ribs.

5. Don't use your teeth as tools to open candy wrappers, bottles, pens, nuts or to grasp pins, screws, paperclips, etc.

6. Do not be concerned if you should encounter minor speech alterations (S's, V's or F's) in the first 48 hours after major cosmetic changes. Accommodation occurs rapidly.

7. To prevent staining and minimize maintenance it is recommended to see our hygienist 3 times a year for a professional cleaning.

8. Avoid wearing dark lip color for 48 hours.

9. If you clench your teeth, a custom bite guard could prevent the restorations from fracturing while you sleep.

10. Immoderate use of coffee, tea, soy sauce, cherry colas, alcohol or dark fruit juices will shorten the life of your restorations.

11. Avoid biting any hard foods with the front teeth. Keep to a minimum any sticky, sugary foods that can weaken the bond between the restorations and the tooth.

12. If your restoration chips or fractures, we will repair it at no charge fro the first year.
*this applies to "no-fault" accidents only and does not apply to sports or auto accidents, or lack of compliance with previous instructions.