aftercare & advice

composite contouring

Composite contouring enhances the shape and appearance of your teeth, with results aesthetically lasting 5–7 years when well maintained. To preserve the aesthetics and durability of your new smile, please follow these guidelines and recommendations.

    • Avoid biting into hard or crunchy foods like ice, nuts, or hard sweets on your front teeth. Biting into lightly crispy foods like an Apple or Toast is not a problem.

    • Do not use your teeth as a tool to open packaging or tear tape or engage in habits such as biting on fingernails and chewing pens, as this will cause undue chipping or fractures.

    • Make good use of your retainers, whitening trays or hard splint as your night-guard if you clench or grind your teeth during sleep to prevent accelerated wear or chips/fractures.

    • To keep your smile bright, apply your prescription whitening gel to the front and back of the treated teeth 1–2 times per month within your custom whitening trays.

    • Avoid whitening toothpastes or abrasive products like charcoal toothpastes, as they introduce microscopic scratches to the surface that dulls the overall shine of the composite resin.

    • The colour of the composite resin will not change itself with prescription whitening, the aim is to maintain the tooth beneath the composite as the majority of the colour is still determined by the tooth itself.

    • Avoid excessive frequency of high staining foods and drinks (coffee, red wine, curry, etc.), and rinse with water after consumption to reduce surface colour accumulation over time.

    • Avoid smoking as the surface is more prone to stain adhesion than natural enamel or porcelain.

    • The composite surface is shiny and hard, but as it is softer than enamel, it will gradually dull over time.

    • Schedule annual composite conditioning with non-abrasive polishing to maintain a smooth, polished appearance. This can be combined with your routine check-up and hygiene appointments.

    • If any chipping or fractures occurs, composite can be precisely repaired and added to. The repair cost will depend on the severity of the damage.

    • As the aesthetic lifespan of 5-7 years reaches its limit, options include resurfacing, replacing, or transitioning to porcelain restorations for enhanced durability and aesthetics.

    • Regular dental check-ups will help monitor wear and determine when refinements may be needed.

    • Regular dental hygiene appointments will remove the gradual stains that can accumulate, as well as ensure the gum health surrounding the restorations are in harmony.

    • At these appointments are where composite are then routinely conditioned to ensure high lustre.

    • Maintain great oral hygiene to prevent unnecessary surface damage or stain accumulation.

non-surgical periodontal therapy

Recession & Black Triangles

    • Excellent oral hygiene is essential for healing and preventing bacterial recolonisation following NSPT

    • Use your electric toothbrush and interdental brushes as demonstrated. Find links to the recommendation on our shopping list.

    • For the first 24–48 hours, avoid interdental cleaning and brush gently if deeper areas feel tender.

    • Wait until the anaesthetic has fully worn off before eating or drinking to prevent accidental injury.

    • Avoid spicy or acidic foods, as they may cause irritation.

    • Stick to soft foods like pasta and rice for the first 24–48 hours.

    • Mild soreness at the anaesthetic injection sites or deep-cleaned areas is normal and to be expected

    • Teeth with existing bone loss may feel temporarily looser but will stabilise with as the gums respond

    • Pain relief options include Ibuprofen or Paracetamol, cold compresses, and warm salt water rinses.

  • In 4–8 weeks, we will reassess your periodontal health. This includes:

    • Measuring new pocket depths

    • Removing any remaining or newly formed deposits

    • Reviewing your oral hygiene and providing updated recommendations

    • Discussing hygiene recall intervals and possible referral to a periodontist if required

  • As your gums heal, the cells and collagen of the gums regain their elasticity and tightness. This process changes their appearance when compared to puffy inflamed gums prior to NSPT. You may therefore notice:

    • Gum recession, , exposing root dentine, which may feel initially sensitive to cold.

    • Black triangles (small dark spaces between teeth) due to gum tightening and reattachment

    These changes are expected and beneficial, as they help stabilise teeth with previous bone loss. If the appearance of black triangles concerns you, we can provide and plan for the use of composite contouring to improve aesthetics once your gum health is stable.