Your Complete Aftercare Guide at Smile Solutions product guide

Your Complete Aftercare Guide at Smile Solutions

How well your treatment holds up over time depends just as much on what you do at home as on what happens in the chair. Whether you've just had porcelain veneers placed, you're wearing temporary veneers while your permanent restorations are being made in our Smile Lab, you've been fitted with a custom nightguard, or you're working through your Invisalign treatment, this guide will help you protect your results, stay comfortable, and get the best possible outcome long-term.

Smile Solutions is Australia's largest private dental practice, having cared for more than 300,000 patients since 1993. We're based in the Manchester Unity Building in Melbourne, and we're committed to clinical excellence for every patient, not just during treatment but throughout the whole journey. This is your aftercare reference from our specialists and clinicians.

If anything concerns you at any point, call us on 13 13 96. We're here to help.

Part 1: Aftercare for porcelain veneers

Congratulations on your new veneers. Porcelain veneers are a significant investment in your smile, and with the right care, they can serve you well for many years. The following guidelines reflect our evidence-based approach to protecting your results.

1. Managing post-insertion sensitivity

Some tooth sensitivity after your veneer insertion appointment is completely normal. It typically affects one or more of the prepared teeth and may be triggered by temperature, hot or cold foods and drinks, or by touch.

The most effective way to manage this is regular application of sensitive toothpaste. Apply it directly to the affected teeth with your fingertip, leave it for a few minutes, then rinse. Sensitivity generally resolves within a few weeks as your teeth settle. If it's severe or persists beyond four weeks, contact us so we can arrange a clinical review.

2. Use an electric toothbrush with a pressure sensor

An electric toothbrush is strongly preferred over a manual brush for cleaning your veneers. Electric brushes deliver more consistent, effective cleaning with less physical effort, and a model with a built-in pressure sensor will alert you when you're brushing too hard.

Excessive brushing pressure is one of the leading causes of gum recession, which can affect both the appearance and longevity of your veneers over time. Brush twice daily using gentle, circular motions and let the brush do the work.

3. Floss daily around your veneers

Healthy gums are essential to the long-term success of your veneers. Floss gently every day around each veneer to remove plaque from the gumline. This helps prevent gum disease from developing around the margins of your restorations, which could compromise both their appearance and their seal to the underlying tooth.

If traditional floss is difficult to use around your veneers, your hygienist can recommend alternatives such as super floss or interdental brushes as part of your oral hygiene routine.

4. Avoid very hard foods

Porcelain is strong and durable, but it can fracture under extreme force. We recommend avoiding habitually biting into very hard foods such as nuts, hard lollies or toffees, crusty baguettes, ice, and anything containing bones.

This doesn't mean you can't enjoy a varied diet. It simply means being mindful of your biting habits, particularly avoiding using your front veneers as levers against hard objects. Cutting foods into smaller pieces where needed is a simple habit that goes a long way.

5. Wear a nightguard every night

If you grind or clench your teeth, even mildly or unconsciously during sleep, this poses a real risk to your veneers. Bruxism generates forces far greater than ordinary chewing, and over time those forces can cause veneers to chip, crack, or debond.

A custom-fitted nightguard, worn every night, distributes these forces evenly and protects both your veneers and your natural teeth. If you don't already have one, speak with your dentist or treatment coordinator and we'll arrange to have one made for you.

Patients who wear their nightguard consistently tend to have significantly longer veneer lifespans and fewer complications. Think of it as essential protective equipment for your smile.

6. Top up with whitening periodically

Your porcelain veneers are made to a specific shade and will hold that colour over time. Your natural teeth, those not covered by veneers, will continue to stain from coffee, tea, red wine, and other dietary factors.

To keep your natural teeth matching your veneers, we recommend periodic whitening, either at-home whitening trays or in-chair whitening at Smile Solutions. Your dentist can advise on the best option and frequency for your situation during your regular check-up appointments.

7. Wear a mouthguard during contact sports

Porcelain veneers can be damaged by sporting impacts. If you play any contact sport, including team sports, martial arts, or any activity with a risk of collision, please wear a well-fitted custom sports mouthguard.

A custom mouthguard from Smile Solutions provides significantly better protection than an over-the-counter boil-and-bite alternative. Speak with your dentist or treatment coordinator to arrange one if you don't already have it.

8. Attend six-monthly check-ups and cleans

Regular professional care is essential to the long-term health and appearance of your veneers. At your six-monthly appointments, your dentist will assess the condition of each veneer, evaluate gum health around the margins, and review your bite.

Your hygienist will professionally clean the veneers and surrounding teeth, removing any calculus build-up that home brushing alone can't address. These appointments are also a good opportunity to check whether your nightguard still fits correctly, particularly if you've had other dental work in the intervening period.

Booking your next appointment before you leave is the simplest way to stay on track. Call us on 13 13 96 or ask at reception.

Part 2: Caring for temporary veneers

If you're currently wearing temporary veneers while your permanent porcelain restorations are being made in our Smile Lab, this section is important. Temporary veneers are fully functional but less durable than your final restorations, so careful management during this phase will prevent unnecessary complications and keep you comfortable throughout.

Avoid hard and sticky foods

Temporary veneers are more susceptible to breakage and debonding than permanent ones. During this phase, avoid hard foods such as nuts, raw vegetables, crusty bread, ice, and hard lollies, as well as sticky foods such as chewing gum, caramel, and toffee. Anything that requires significant biting force is best avoided. Cutting foods into smaller pieces before eating is a helpful habit during this period.

Be cautious with temperature

Temporary veneers can be more sensitive to temperature extremes than permanent porcelain restorations. Very hot or very cold foods and drinks may cause some discomfort. This sensitivity will resolve once your permanent veneers are placed.

Maintain oral hygiene with a soft manual toothbrush

Please don't neglect your oral hygiene during the temporary phase. Healthy gums are essential to a successful final outcome. Switch to a soft-bristled manual toothbrush for this period rather than an electric brush, and use gentle strokes to avoid loosening the temporary restorations.

For flossing, use super floss or Piksters around your temporary veneers. Avoid snapping floss down firmly against the gumline, as this can dislodge temporary restorations. If you've been prescribed a mouthwash, use it exactly as directed.

Avoid staining agents

Temporary veneers are made from a resin material that's more porous and stain-absorbent than the porcelain used in your permanent restorations. During this phase, try to minimise coffee, tea, red wine, strongly pigmented foods like curries, and tobacco. These won't affect your permanent porcelain veneers, but staining during the temporary phase can make this period feel less comfortable aesthetically.

Don't use your teeth as tools

Avoid opening packages with your teeth, biting your nails, or using your teeth for anything other than eating. This is sound advice at any time, but it's especially important during the temporary veneer phase when restorations are less securely bonded.

Part 3: Caring for your nightguard

If you've been fitted with a custom nightguard at Smile Solutions, this section explains how to care for your appliance and what to expect. Your nightguard is a precision-crafted device that plays an important role in protecting your teeth and dental restorations from grinding and clenching, and in many cases, in relieving associated muscle tension and discomfort.

What your nightguard does

When worn correctly every night, your custom nightguard prevents wear on your natural teeth and dental restorations from bruxism, protects weak or restored teeth from fracturing under habitual jaw forces, and in some cases disrupts the grinding or clenching habit itself. It also relaxes the jaw-closing muscles, reducing load on the temporomandibular joints (TMJs), which can relieve associated muscle tension, joint discomfort, and related headaches.

What to expect when you first start wearing it

Your nightguard may feel slightly unfamiliar at first. This is completely normal, and most patients adapt comfortably within a few nights. You may also notice increased saliva production initially, which typically settles quickly. Some patients notice a mild sense of discomfort when biting down on the nightguard surface. This is also normal and will resolve as you adjust to wearing it.

How to clean your nightguard

Don't use toothpaste or a toothbrush to clean your nightguard. Toothpaste is too abrasive for the appliance material and will scratch it over time, reducing its lifespan.

Instead, soak your nightguard in a dissolved effervescent oral appliance cleanser. A number of suitable products are available from pharmacies. Follow the product instructions for soaking time and frequency, and rinse thoroughly before wearing.

Storing your nightguard

Always store your nightguard in its protective case when not in use. This is particularly important if you have pets inside your home, as pets are attracted to the smell of oral appliances and can cause serious damage. Be careful when placing or removing your nightguard, as dropping it on a hard tiled floor can cause cracks or distortion.

Bring your nightguard to every dental appointment

Please bring your nightguard to every Smile Solutions appointment. Your clinician will check the fit and condition, particularly after any new dental work that may affect your bite. A poorly fitting nightguard can cause problems, so regular assessment is an important part of your ongoing care.

If you experience discomfort in your teeth, muscles, or jaw joints that you believe is related to wearing your nightguard, stop wearing it and contact us promptly to discuss with your clinician.

Part 4: Your complete Invisalign aftercare guide

Getting started with your aligners

Congratulations on beginning your Invisalign journey at Smile Solutions. Each aligner is clearly marked with its number and a "U" for upper or "L" for lower, so there's no confusion about which is which.

To insert an aligner, gently push it over your front teeth, then use equal fingertip pressure on the biting surfaces of your left and right back teeth until it clicks into place. Don't bite your aligners into position as this can damage them and compromise their precision fit.

Using Aligner Chewies

Aligner Chewies are small, soft rolls of non-toxic plastic that help seat your aligners properly against your teeth. Bite on a Chewie, then move it around your mouth to ensure each section of the aligner is fully engaged. Use Chewies for 10–15 minutes per day, particularly during the first few days of each new aligner, to ensure optimal fit and the best possible treatment results.

Removing your aligners

Use your fingertips, starting at the back molars on one side, and gently peel the aligner free, working around to the other side. Take extra care if you have attachments, the small tooth-coloured bumps bonded to specific teeth to assist with particular movements.

Storing your aligners

When your aligners are out of your mouth, store them in their protective case immediately. Place one aligner in the case, then rotate the other 180 degrees so they interlock neatly. Never wrap aligners in tissues or leave them in pockets. They can be easily lost or damaged, and replacement aligners cause treatment delays.

Wear time: 22 hours per day minimum

Your aligners must be worn for a minimum of 22 hours per day. They should only be removed for eating, drinking anything other than plain cold water, and cleaning your teeth.

If your aligners are worn for less than 22 hours per day, your treatment will take longer and your results may be compromised. Every hour genuinely matters.

Eating and drinking with aligners

Always remove your aligners before eating and before drinking anything other than plain cold water. Food and coloured beverages can stain your aligners and promote decay underneath them.

Before reinserting your aligners after a meal or snack, brush and floss your teeth thoroughly. This removes food particles and sugars that could otherwise be trapped between the aligner and your tooth surface, creating conditions for decay.

Cleaning your aligners

Clean your aligners before each insertion using soapy cold water and a soft toothbrush without toothpaste. You can also soak them in cool water and white vinegar to remove stains, or use dedicated cleaning tablets such as Aligner Brite. Dissolve half a tablet in water, soak until clear, then rinse thoroughly before reinserting.

Never use warm or hot water as it can distort the aligner material and affect the precision of your treatment. Don't use denture cleaners or regular mouthwash on your aligners.

Understanding attachments and elastics

Some treatment plans require attachments, small tooth-coloured bumps bonded to specific teeth to give the aligner a grip point for more complex movements. Attachments are fully covered by your aligner when it's in place and aren't visible during wear.

Some cases also require elastics worn between upper and lower aligners to correct bite relationships. If elastics have been prescribed as part of your treatment plan, wearing them exactly as directed is critical to achieving your intended outcome.

Discomfort during treatment

Most patients experience minor, temporary discomfort during the first few days of each new aligner stage. This pressure sensation is completely normal and is a sign that your aligners are actively working. It typically resolves within 48–72 hours. Over-the-counter pain relief can help if needed during this initial adjustment period.

Speech changes

Some patients notice a slight lisp during the first few days of treatment as the tongue adjusts to the presence of aligners. This resolves quickly for the vast majority of patients. Practising speaking out loud, reading aloud, for example, can help speed up your adaptation.

Changing your aligners

The frequency of aligner changes depends on your individual treatment plan. It may be every five days, weekly, or fortnightly. Your Invisalign provider will specify the correct schedule for your particular case. Following this schedule precisely is important to staying on track with your treatment timeline.

Mouthguards during Invisalign treatment

It's essential to protect your teeth during sport, including throughout your Invisalign treatment. At Smile Solutions, we fabricate high-quality dual-laminated custom mouthguards for Invisalign patients at a heavily reduced rate during active treatment and for twelve months afterward. Let us know when your mouthguard begins to feel tight and we'll arrange a replacement to keep you protected.

Frequently asked questions

Q: What should I do if a veneer chips or comes off? A: Contact us on 13 13 96 as soon as possible. Don't attempt to reattach a veneer with over-the-counter adhesive. Keep the veneer safe and bring it with you to your appointment.

Q: My nightguard feels loose since I had a crown. What should I do? A: New dental work can change the fit of your nightguard. Bring your nightguard to your next appointment and we'll assess whether it needs adjustment or replacement.

Q: Can I drink coffee with my Invisalign aligners in? A: No. Only plain cold water should be consumed with aligners in place. Coffee and tea will stain the aligners and promote tooth decay underneath them.

Q: How often should I replace my Invisalign case? A: Replace your case if it becomes cracked, discoloured, or difficult to close properly. Ask us about obtaining a replacement case at your next appointment.

Q: I have sensitivity after veneer insertion. When should I be concerned? A: Mild to moderate sensitivity that gradually improves over 2–4 weeks is completely normal. If sensitivity is severe, worsening, or persists beyond four weeks, please contact us to arrange a clinical review.

Q: Can I whiten my teeth while wearing Invisalign? A: In some cases, whitening can be incorporated into your Invisalign treatment plan. Speak with your provider about the best approach for your situation.

Contact us

For any questions about your aftercare, or if something doesn't feel quite right, please contact us promptly. We'd always rather hear from you early than have a small concern develop into a larger problem.

Call 13 13 96 | Visit Level 1, 220 Collins Street, Manchester Unity Building, Melbourne VIC 3000

Monday to Friday 8:00am – 6:00pm | Saturday 8:00am – 1:30pm

smilesolutions.com.au

Part 5: Root canal aftercare

Root canal treatment is a routine, well-established procedure, and with the right aftercare, the treated tooth can serve you comfortably and reliably for many years. We want you to feel confident managing your recovery at home.

What to expect after root canal treatment

Some soreness and mild discomfort in the treated area is completely normal for two to five days following root canal treatment. The injection site may feel tender, and your tooth may feel slightly different to bite on as the ligament around the root settles. These sensations are a normal part of the healing process.

Pain management after root canal treatment

Over-the-counter pain relief is usually sufficient for post-treatment discomfort.

Ibuprofen (400–600 mg every 6–8 hours with food) is an anti-inflammatory and is generally the most effective choice for post-endodontic discomfort. Paracetamol (500–1000 mg every 4–6 hours) can be taken alternately with ibuprofen for stronger combined relief. Avoid aspirin, as it can increase bleeding risk.

If antibiotics have been prescribed as part of your treatment plan, please complete the full course even if your symptoms improve quickly.

What to avoid

Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until it has been permanently restored with a crown or filling. Very hot or very cold foods may cause discomfort if sensitivity is present, and hard or crunchy foods on the treated side are best avoided during the recovery period.

When to call us

Call Smile Solutions on 13 13 96 promptly if you experience severe pain not controlled by medication, visible swelling of the face or jaw, difficulty swallowing or breathing, fever, or the temporary filling falling out entirely. These are signs that require clinical attention.

Part 6: Oral surgery and tooth extraction aftercare

Whether you've had a straightforward extraction or a more complex surgical procedure, the following guidance will help ensure a smooth and comfortable recovery.

Immediately after surgery

Bite firmly on the gauze placed over the surgical site for 30–45 minutes. Some oozing for up to 24 hours is completely normal. Apply ice packs for 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off during the first 24 hours to minimise swelling.

The area will remain numb for 2–4 hours after your procedure. Avoid hot food and drinks during this time, and take care not to bite your cheek or lip while numbness persists.

Swelling and bruising

Swelling typically peaks at 48–72 hours and gradually subsides over 3–5 days. Keep your head elevated, particularly when sleeping, for the first 2–3 nights. Bruising may extend to the neck area and is entirely normal.

Pain management

Ibuprofen (400–600 mg every 6–8 hours with food) is the first-line recommendation. Paracetamol can be alternated for additional relief. Don't take aspirin.

Oral hygiene

Don't rinse, spit, or use a straw for the first 24 hours following surgery. From day 2, rinse gently with warm salt water 2–3 times daily. Continue brushing your other teeth as normal, carefully avoiding the surgical site.

Diet

Stick to soft foods for the first 24–48 hours. Avoid hot foods until numbness has fully resolved, and avoid alcohol for at least 5 days. Gradually reintroduce normal foods from day 3 as your comfort allows.

Dry socket warning

Dry socket, characterised by severe, throbbing pain 2–4 days after an extraction, occurs when the blood clot is dislodged from the socket. Avoid using straws and don't smoke during your recovery period. If you suspect you may have developed dry socket, call 13 13 96 urgently. This requires prompt clinical attention.

Warning signs

Contact Smile Solutions immediately if you experience increasing pain after day 3, spreading swelling, fever above 38°C, pus or discharge from the surgical site, or difficulty swallowing or breathing.

Part 7: Teeth whitening aftercare

Whether you've had in-chair Zoom whitening or are using Day White at-home trays as part of your treatment plan, the following guidance will help you protect your result and manage any sensitivity during the post-treatment period.

After Zoom in-chair whitening

Avoid all deeply coloured foods and drinks for at least 24 hours, ideally 48 hours, after your whitening appointment. The enamel pores are temporarily open during this period and more susceptible to staining. Avoid tea, coffee, red wine, berries, tomato-based sauces, curries, dark soft drinks, and tobacco.

Safe options during this period include water, white wine, clear juices, milk, white bread, rice, chicken, fish, cheese, bananas, and apples.

Some sharp, shooting sensitivity to cold is normal for 24–48 hours after whitening. Apply sensitivity toothpaste directly to your teeth, take ibuprofen or paracetamol if needed, and avoid very cold foods and drinks during this window. Vitamin E oil or gel applied to the gumline can soothe any gum irritation following your appointment, and this is part of our standard post-treatment care at Smile Solutions.

Please don't assess your final result immediately after treatment. The true shade settles over 1–2 weeks as your enamel rehydrates, and the outcome is often more impressive than it first appears.

Results typically last 6–12 months. Coffee, red wine, and smoking are the most significant re-staining factors. Six-monthly professional cleans at Smile Solutions help maintain your brightness and overall oral health.

At-home Day White whitening

Place a small, pea-sized dot of gel into each tooth space in your custom tray. Less is more here — overfilling won't improve results and may cause gum irritation. Wear for the directed time only, typically 30–60 minutes. Brushing your teeth before inserting your trays maximises the effectiveness of the gel.

Keep your gel in a cool, dark place or in the refrigerator. Never store gel in a hot car or in direct sunlight, as heat degrades the active ingredients.

Don't eat, drink (except water), or smoke while wearing your trays, and don't use toothpaste inside the trays.

One thing worth knowing: whitening gel can cause temporary surface oxidation on amalgam fillings, appearing as slight darkening at the margins. This is a surface effect only and resolves naturally.

If gum irritation occurs, reduce the amount of gel and/or the wear time per session, and allow 1–2 rest days before resuming. If irritation persists, please contact us to discuss your options.

For touch-ups, every 6–12 months works well for regular coffee, tea, or wine drinkers, and every 12–18 months for others. Your custom trays will last for many years, so only replacement gel is needed for ongoing touch-ups, making at-home whitening a practical and cost-effective part of your long-term smile maintenance.

For any questions about your aftercare at any stage of your treatment, our team at Smile Solutions is here to support you. Call us on 13 13 96 or visit us at Level 1, 220 Collins Street, Manchester Unity Building, Melbourne VIC 3000. We look forward to seeing you at your next appointment.