Cosmetic Procedure

Taking Care of Your Temporary Restorations

It’s important to keep in mind that your temporaries are not the same as your final restorations – they can feel and look different. Make sure to trust that the final product will be much more flattering, life-like, and confidence-boosting.

It’s normal to have some sensitivity to temperature and chewing when wearing your temporaries. In fact, some patients feel tightness or contraction when drinking hot or cold beverages. This will go away with your final restorations which will feel and function just like your natural teeth. In the meantime, avoid hard or chewy foods. Make sure to also avoid foods that can stain your temporaries like coffee, red wine, or rich-colored foods.

It’s also normal to have some discomfort after your appointment, and you can relieve this by taking 600mg of ibuprofen every 6 hours. Make sure not to take more than 3200mg within 24 hours.

Between appointments, it’s extremely important to keep your gums healthy and clean. You’ll be given special refillable syringes to rinse the gumline with water regularly (3-4 times per day) until your final restorations are placed.

If your bite feels misaligned or out-of-place, please contact us for an adjustment. This can cause problems with your bite over time and should be corrected.

Adjusting to Your New Smile

It will take time to adapt to your new smile once your final restorations are in place. This is because your brain will need to adjust to the new position and feel of your bite. You may also experience some sensitivity to hot and cold at first.

After your placement procedure, your gums may be sensitive for a few days. A warm saltwater rinse can help reduce pain and swelling – mix a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water, swish, and spit. If you still have discomfort, you can take ibuprofen or acetaminophen according to instructions on the bottle.

Finally, your new restorations may affect your speech for the first few days as your mouth adjusts. If any of these symptoms don’t reside within one week, make sure to contact us.

Caring for Your New Smile

Taking care of your new teeth is the best way to get the most out of them for the long term. Make sure to brush twice daily and floss once per day to remove plaque and prevent decay. Also make sure to see your dentist regularly for a professional cleaning. If you have any more specific care needs for your restorations, make sure to discuss them with your dentist during an appointment.

Contact Us

Have questions about your procedure aftercare? We’re here to help! Contact us by calling (415) 523-9178 or filling out our online contact form.

Contact Us