If you're getting veneers or crowns, there are a few things you should know before and after your treatment. From preparing for your appointment to eating, cleaning your teeth, and getting used to your new smile, this guide covers what you'll need along the way.
Your dentist may give you different instructions based on your treatment, so always follow their advice first.
Before treatment, tell your dentist if you have cavities, bleeding gums, sensitive teeth, or pain when chewing. Mention any previous dental work too, including root canals or crowns.
If you have tooth decay or gum disease, these problems may need to be treated before getting veneers or crowns. Even if something seems minor, it's better to have it checked first.
Your dentist will also need to know about your general health, including:
Don't stop taking prescribed medication without medical advice.
If you grind your teeth at night, make sure to mention it. This can affect your treatment plan and may mean you'll need extra protection for your veneers or crowns.
Before starting, talk to your dentist about how you want your teeth to look. You can discuss the colour, shape, and size, whether you're going for a bright white smile or something more natural.
It's also worth asking which teeth need treatment and whether any enamel will be removed. Enamel removal is usually irreversible, so make sure you're comfortable with the plan.
If you're coming to Istanbul, send any recent dental X-rays or records you have. Leave enough time for the final fitting and any adjustments before your flight home.
There isn't much you need to do on the day, but keep these things in mind:
When you try on your veneers or crowns, pay attention to how they look and feel. If something seems too big, too long, or uncomfortable when you bite, say so.
It's much easier to discuss these things before the final fitting.
If you're getting temporary teeth, ask how to clean them and what you can eat while wearing them. They need a little more care than permanent veneers or crowns.
If you've had local anaesthesia, wait until the numbness wears off before eating. Otherwise, you might accidentally bite your cheek or tongue.
For the first day or two, soft foods are usually more comfortable. Good options include:
If your teeth are sensitive, stick to food and drinks that aren't too hot or cold.
You can return to your normal diet as you feel comfortable, unless your dentist tells you otherwise.
Try not to put too much pressure on your front teeth during the first few days. Avoid chewing ice, hard nuts, or other very hard foods.
If you're wearing temporary veneers or crowns, avoid sticky foods like caramel or chewy sweets. They can pull temporary teeth loose.
It's also a good idea to cut food into smaller pieces instead of biting straight into it, especially while you're wearing temporary teeth.
Your teeth might feel sensitive to hot or cold drinks, and your gums may be a little sore after treatment.
This is fairly common, especially if your teeth needed preparation, and it usually settles down over time.
If you need pain relief, use medication recommended by your dentist. Pain that becomes severe or keeps getting worse should be checked.
You can continue brushing twice a day with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Just be gentle around your gums if they're tender.
Keep cleaning between your teeth too. If you have temporary veneers or crowns, check with your dentist about the best way to floss without loosening them.
You don't need to stop brushing because of mild sensitivity. Just take your time and avoid scrubbing too hard.
Your teeth may feel a little different at first, especially if their shape or length has changed.
You might notice that your tongue touches them differently, or that certain words sound a bit unusual when you speak. This normally improves as you get used to them.
Some sensitivity can also last beyond the first few days, particularly after more extensive tooth preparation. It should gradually improve.
Once your permanent veneers or crowns are fitted, you should be able to close your mouth and chew comfortably.
Tell your dentist if you notice:
Your bite may need a small adjustment. Don't try to file or adjust your teeth yourself.
Before leaving Turkey, make sure your bite feels comfortable and keep the clinic's contact details in case you need help after returning home.
Veneers and crowns are easy to look after, but keeping your teeth and gums healthy is still important.
Make these habits part of your daily routine:
Even though veneers and crowns can't get cavities, the natural teeth underneath and around them still can.
Try not to bite your nails, chew pens, crunch ice, or use your teeth to open packages.
For harder foods, like apples or raw carrots, cut them into smaller pieces instead of biting into them with your front teeth.
These habits are worth keeping in mind even after you've fully adjusted to your new smile.
If you grind or clench your teeth while sleeping, your dentist may recommend a custom night guard.
Wearing it as directed can help protect your veneers or crowns from too much pressure.
If you play contact sports, ask about a protective mouthguard as well.
Porcelain veneers don't stain as easily as natural teeth, but coffee, tea, and smoking can still affect how your smile looks over time.
A few things can help:
Even if everything feels fine, don't skip your regular dental visits.
Your dentist can check your gums, the edges of your veneers or crowns, and how your teeth fit together when you bite.
Veneers and crowns can last for many years with proper care, but they may eventually need repair or replacement.
Get in touch with your dentist if:
If a veneer or crown comes off, keep it somewhere clean and contact your dentist. Don't try to glue it back yourself.
Severe tooth pain, swelling with a fever, or a bad taste in your mouth along with swelling can be signs of a problem that needs urgent dental care.
If swelling spreads quickly or you have trouble breathing, swallowing, or speaking, seek emergency medical help right away.
If you're already back home, see a local dentist if you need an in-person check. You can also contact the Mira Clinic team to explain what happened and arrange any follow-up care.
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