Dental work is more than just a cosmetic upgrade—it’s a commitment to your long-term health and self-confidence. Whether you’ve had a crown placed, completed a smile makeover with veneers, or undergone tooth extraction in Hunt Valley, MD, maintaining that investment is essential to ensure longevity and effectiveness.

At Nathanson Dental, we believe that great dental care doesn’t end when you leave the chair. Here’s how you can preserve the integrity of your dental work and keep your smile healthy and beautiful for years to come.

Understanding the Value of Maintenance

Dental restorations are built to last—but they aren’t immune to damage or decay. With time, materials can wear down, especially if they’re subjected to habits like grinding, clenching, or poor oral hygiene. Even high-quality dental crowns placed in Hunt Valley, MD, can loosen or chip without the right care.

When patients take proactive steps to care for their restorations, they reduce the risk of:

• Cracks or fractures in crowns, veneers, or bonding
• Gum inflammation or recession around restored teeth
• Decay forming around old fillings
• Staining or discoloration of veneers and whitening treatments

Build a Strong Daily Routine

Your at-home routine is the most powerful tool in preserving your dental work. Brush twice daily with a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Use a water flosser or traditional floss to reach around bridges or between crowns.

If you've had teeth whitening in Hunt Valley, MD, your diet and hygiene habits will directly impact how long your results last. Avoiding tobacco and rinsing after consuming coffee, red wine, or berries will help prevent staining.

Protect Your Investment at Night

Many patients don’t realize that grinding or clenching at night (a condition known as bruxism) can severely damage restorations. Ask us about custom nightguards if you experience jaw soreness, wear facets, or frequent crown fractures.

For patients who’ve had TMD treatment in Hunt Valley, MD, a nightguard may also relieve jaw pressure and prevent regression of results.

Be Gentle With Cosmetic Work

Cosmetic enhancements like veneers and bonding are durable, but they aren’t invincible. Avoid using your teeth as tools (no bottle opening or package tearing) and be cautious with especially hard or sticky foods. Veneers placed in Hunt Valley, MD, can chip or become dislodged if misused.

Stay Consistent With Dental Visits

We recommend checkups at least twice a year. These visits allow us to:

• Professionally clean your teeth and restorations
• Check the health of your gums
• Inspect restorations for any loosening, wear, or decay
• Perform touch-ups or adjustments to maintain your smile

If you’ve had tooth extraction at our Hunt Valley, MD, office, we’ll monitor the healing and recommend ideal timing for replacements like implants or bridges.

When to Call Us

Contact us immediately if you experience:

• Sudden pain in a crowned or filled tooth
• A cracked veneer or chipped crown
• Bleeding or swelling around your gums
• Sensitivity or signs of infection

Early intervention can often save a restoration and reduce treatment time and cost.

Maintain Your Confident Smile

Dental work, when cared for properly, can last many years. At Nathanson Dental, we’re here to help you maintain your restorations, protect your gums, and keep your smile glowing. Whether you’re coming in for Botox in Hunt Valley, MD, or your routine hygiene visit, our goal is to support every stage of your dental journey.