How to Keep Your Dental Work Looking Great
When you’ve invested in improving your smile through crowns, veneers, bonding, or implants, the next important step is maintaining those results. At Charles Ashley Mann and Associates in Cary, NC, our team helps patients protect their dental restorations with personalized care plans and expert guidance. Whether you’ve received cosmetic upgrades or restorative work, your long-term outcome depends on how well you maintain that investment.
As a trusted provider for families and individuals looking to improve their oral health and aesthetics, we’ve put together this comprehensive guide on how to keep your dental work looking its best — today and for years to come.
The Foundation: A Consistent Oral Hygiene Routine
No matter what type of dental work you’ve received, your daily routine plays the biggest role in preserving it. Crowns, veneers, and bonded surfaces are all strong, but they still rely on the surrounding teeth and gums for support.
- Brush twice daily using a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste that isn’t too abrasive.
- Floss every day to remove plaque and food particles between teeth, even around restorations.
- Rinse with an alcohol-free antibacterial mouthwash to maintain a healthy environment.
At our Cary office, patients who’ve received cosmetic restorations often leave with a tailored hygiene plan to help them keep everything in top condition.
Professional Maintenance: Cleanings and Checkups
Even the most thorough brushing and flossing can’t replace a professional dental cleaning. Our hygienists are trained to care for natural teeth and restorations, using tools that clean thoroughly without damaging porcelain or ceramic surfaces.
We recommend biannual cleanings for most patients, but some may benefit from more frequent visits — especially if they’ve had extensive cosmetic or restorative work.
These visits also allow us to:
- Check for early signs of wear or damage
- Ensure your bite is properly aligned
- Evaluate your gum health and prevent inflammation that could affect your restorations
Minimize Risk of Staining
While many cosmetic materials are stain-resistant, they’re not stain-proof. This means lifestyle choices can still affect the appearance of your dental work.
To preserve brightness:
- Limit dark beverages like coffee, red wine, and cola
- Rinse your mouth with water after consuming staining foods
- Avoid tobacco, which can dull even the strongest restorations
Our patients in Cary who’ve undergone teeth whitening or placed veneers often come in for touch-ups to keep their smile looking fresh.
Watch Out for Damage-Causing Habits
Daily behaviors can make or break your dental work — sometimes literally. Avoid habits such as:
- Biting your nails
- Chewing ice or pen caps
- Opening packages with your teeth
If you grind your teeth at night, known as bruxism, you could be weakening your restorations. We often provide nightguards to prevent damage while you sleep. This is a common issue among adults with stress-related jaw tension or bite misalignment.
Pay Attention to Changes
Your restorations should feel natural. If something changes — a crown feels loose, your bite feels off, or you notice sensitivity — call our Cary office right away. Small issues can quickly evolve into bigger problems if not addressed promptly.
As part of our comprehensive approach, we always encourage open communication so we can intervene early and preserve your results.
Long-Term Plans for Every Type of Work
Each type of dental restoration requires specific care. Here’s how we help patients in Cary maintain different types of dental work:
Veneers:
- Avoid biting into hard foods like apples or nuts directly with front teeth.
- Schedule regular cleanings to maintain luster.
- Use a non-abrasive toothpaste to avoid scratching the surface.
Crowns and Bridges:
- Use floss threaders or water flossers to clean around bridge anchors.
- Monitor the gum line for any signs of recession.
- Avoid sticky foods that can dislodge crowns.
Bonding:
- While bonding is strong, it’s more porous than veneers and may stain faster.
- Avoid smoking and minimize coffee and wine intake.
- Return for polishing as needed.
Implants:
- Brush and floss daily around the implant.
- Avoid habits that apply pressure to the implant site.
- Let us know if you feel any movement or discomfort.
Cosmetic Maintenance for Long-Lasting Results
Maintaining cosmetic dental work isn’t just about preserving functionality — it’s about keeping your smile camera-ready. Many of our patients choose to pair ongoing care with additional enhancements over time, including:
- Periodic whitening to ensure natural teeth match restorations
- Bonding touch-ups to fix small chips or wear
- Replacing older crowns or veneers with more advanced, natural-looking options
Patients seeking personalized family and cosmetic dental care in Cary often turn to our team for both long-term maintenance and rejuvenation.
Protect Your Smile at Every Age
Dental maintenance isn’t one-size-fits-all. We work with patients across all ages and stages of life. Whether you’re a young adult preserving your new veneers, a parent managing your child’s pediatric crowns, or an older adult caring for implants, we’ve got you covered.
- Children benefit from early dental education and sealants to prevent future damage.
- Adults with cosmetic work need support navigating lifestyle and stress-related risks.
- Seniors with restorations must manage gum health and bone preservation.
Caring for Your Smile Is a Team Effort
At Charles Ashley Mann and Associates, our Cary dental team works alongside each patient to build a maintenance plan that suits their needs. We educate, empower, and provide ongoing support so you feel confident managing your dental health at home and in our office.
Our team is committed to helping you protect your smile investment for the long term. From advanced cleanings and comfortable exams to proactive care and cosmetic touch-ups, we make it easy to maintain your best smile.
Ready for your next checkup? Schedule a visit today and let’s keep your smile in top shape — for life.
