Dental veneers are a fast and long-lasting solution for teeth that are stained, chipped, misaligned or irregularly shaped. With proper care and maintenance, veneers can survive more than a decade of use. Continue reading to learn more about how to take care of veneers.
Caring for dental veneers
Caring for veneers is easy. Although it helps to pay attention to some things, no special maintenance is needed to keep the veneers looking good. The following are ways to take care of dental veneers.
Practice good oral hygiene
The daily oral hygiene routine for natural teeth is just the same for veneers. When brushing, dental professionals recommend using non-abrasive toothpaste and a soft-bristled manual or electric toothbrush to clean the teeth twice daily. Flossing should be done at least once daily to clean particles from areas between the teeth and prevent plaque from accumulating around the teeth.
An alcohol-free mouthwash should be used to clean the mouth once or twice daily. Alcohol-based rinses can weaken the adhesive holding the veneers to the teeth. Although this may not cause the veneer to pop off, it might cause staining and deterioration.
Wear a protective guard
Physical activity is important, but veneers can get damaged when participating in contact sports like basketball, wrestling and football. Patients are advised to wear a mouthguard to protect the natural teeth and veneer from damage.
Avoid teeth grinding
Teeth grinding is harmful to veneers because it places undue stress on them. It has adverse effects on the teeth and jaw joints, as well. Therefore, patients who tend to grind their teeth need to seek their dentist for a mouthguard. The device helps to protect the veneers and natural teeth from damage caused by grinding the teeth over each other.
Avoid chewing on hard substances
Veneers are strong, but they can break or chip. It is best to avoid using the teeth to chew hard substances such as bones, pens, ice and fingernails.
Watch teeth-staining foods and drinks
It is advisable to reduce the intake of foods that can discolor the teeth, like dark sodas, soy sauce, berries, red wine and coffee. Smoking can also cause stains, and it is best avoided in order to keep the smile looking bright and white and improve overall health. Porcelain veneers usually do not respond well to whitening, so it is better to take precautions and avoid staining as much as possible.
Regular dental visits
Routine dental checkups are important for anyone who wants healthy teeth. Patients must form a habit of visiting their dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning. It ensures the prompt detection of potential issues with the teeth or veneers before they worsen. Also, a family dentist will use professional tools to polish the veneer, leaving the smile looking bright.
The bottom line
By covering dental imperfections, dental veneers allow you to improve the appearance of your smile quickly and effectively. If you have additional questions on how to care for your veneers or want to improve your smile, contact our dental office today to book an appointment.
Request an appointment here: https://yousmiledental.com or call You Smile Dental at (408) 361-8133 for an appointment in our Santa Clara office.
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