Dental veneers are dental restorations that improve your smile and dental function. However, their porcelain and composite materials cannot last a lifetime. Fortunately, you can prolong their durability levels through proper maintenance. Read on to learn about veneers aftercare.
What Are Veneers?
They are thin tooth-colored shells that dentists attach to the front surface of flawed teeth to improve their looks. Veneers are customized for a natural-looking appearance. These restorations repair teeth with minor flaws. They fix chipped, smaller-than-average, stained, misshapen, gapped, or broken teeth. The procedure for setting them is easy, fast, and pain-free.
Tips for Caring for Your Dental Veneers
Generally, porcelain dental veneers last an average of 10 years, while composite ones last for five. However, most patients do not get to enjoy having their veneers for that long. The veneers chip, break or discolor due to poor maintenance. Below are a few pointers from the dentist in Tuscaloosa, AL, to help you care for your restorations.
- Practice good oral hygiene
Proper dental hygiene can help your teeth veneers last a long time. Brushing and flossing your teeth ensures they do not decay beneath the veneers. It also keeps the shells from losing their bright color and luster.
When brushing your veneers, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. Also, do not brush too hard to avoid damaging the veneers. Floss to protect the health of your repaired teeth and gums. Although you can use an antiseptic mouthwash to rinse your mouth, do not use it too often. It may soften the bonding agent causing your veneers to fall out.
- Visit a dentist regularly
Attending routine dental checkups twice annually will help care for your dental veneers. The dentist will clean your teeth thoroughly to prevent decay beneath the shells. They will also improve the luster and tone of your veneers during the cleaning.
The dentist will also examine your veneers during the visit and address potential issues. For instance, they can detect if a part of the veneers is loose, chipped, or fractured. In such a case, they will repair or replace the restorations for a better smile.
- Check what you eat and drink
Although teeth veneers are durable, they can become damaged or stained easily. Therefore, you should check the foods and beverages you take to prevent your shells from getting damaged. For instance, avoid chewy or too-hard foods, which can chip, fracture, or break the veneers. The pressure from chewing such foods can also cause gum irritation.
Such foods include tough meat, hard or sticky candy, raw vegetables, and hard fruits. Also, avoid taking sugary foods and drinks. They increase plaque buildup and may lead to decay and gingivitis. In addition, avoid foods and beverages that can stain your veneers. Examples are coffee, red wine, dark sodas, tea, soy sauce, and berries.
- Avoid grinding or clenching your teeth
People who grind or clench their teeth put a lot of stress on the veneers. As a result, the veneers can break, fracture, chip, or come off the tooth. So, if you have bruxism, you should protect your veneers. Avoid clenching and grinding your teeth. If you cannot, visit the dentist in Tuscaloosa, AL, for mouthguards. They will customize a mouthguard that cushions your teeth against the grinding pressure.
- Avoid tobacco products
Smoking or using tobacco products discolors your veneers, making them dull and unattractive. Therefore, you should consider quitting using them if you want your veneers to maintain their initial color. Quitting will also improve your overall health and reduce your risk of oral diseases.
- Do not chew ice or use your teeth as tools
Some people chew ice, bite their nails or use their teeth to open bottles or packages. These habits can damage the natural teeth and the attached veneers. As a result, they ruin the appearance of their smile. If you have such practices, consider avoiding them as part of caring for your veneers.
Are you looking for a dentist who provides excellent natural-looking veneers near you? Then contact us at Dental Care South for a dental veneer procedure. We will assess your smile and facial appearance and recommend dental veneers to enhance your smile and looks.