Dental hygiene: how important it is and how to maintain it even after treatment

You've invested in implants, veneers or crowns. Now the fundamental question is: how do you protect that investment? The answer is simple but requires consistency: correct daily oral hygiene and regular check-ups.

Why hygiene is even more important after treatment

Implants don't decay — but the tissue around them can. Peri-implantitis (inflammation of the bone around an implant) is the main cause of long-term implant failure. It's 100% preventable with proper hygiene.

The ideal daily routine

• Electric toothbrush: Superior to manual for plaque removal. 2 minutes, light pressure.
• Fluoride toothpaste: Protects remaining natural enamel.
• Interdental floss or brush: Essential — 40% of tooth surfaces aren't reachable with a toothbrush.
• Water flosser: Indispensable for All-on-4 and All-on-6 patients.

What to absolutely avoid

• Smoking: increases peri-implantitis risk by 300%.
• Biting hard objects: can chip ceramic crowns.
• Skipping the evening clean: plaque mineralises into tartar within 24-48 hours.

The final message

Straumann implants are designed to last a lifetime. Ceramic veneers last 15-20 years. But this only happens with proper care. 5 minutes of correct oral hygiene per day is the smallest — and most profitable — investment you can make for your smile.