Brushing and mouth washing are great ways to maintain your dental hygiene, but if you could slip into a treatment that’s almost invisible, would you? Veneers can be placed over chipped or discolored teeth in less than an hour.
Keep reading to learn how to care for your dental veneers so that you can achieve the smile you’ve always wanted.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Brushing at least twice a day, as well as flossing every day, helps remove plaque and bacteria that can accumulate on your teeth and veneers. Be sure to brush in circular motions and around the gum line to remove food particles and plaque.
Use an interdental brush or water flosser to help remove food particles and plaque between the veneers. Additionally, use a mouthwash with fluoride to help kill bacteria that can lead to cavities and staining.
Use a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush
With dental veneer care, it is important to use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid damage to the porcelain or composite material. Choose a toothbrush that is labeled as soft, and look for products that fit specifically for your mouth.
Do not use a hard-bristled toothbrush because the bristles can scratch and chip the veneers. Regularly replace your toothbrush head to ensure that you always have soft bristles.
Avoid Hard or Sticky Foods
Hard foods can easily damage veneers and can cause chips or cracks that can be difficult to undo. Sticky foods may move, dislodge, or stain the veneers.
Additionally, avoid tobacco products, such as cigarettes and chewing tobacco, as this also puts your veneers at risk of staining or discoloring. Following these tips can help ensure that your veneers are kept intact, looking their best, and are able to last longer.
Wear a Mouthguard for Sports
One of the best and most effective ways for veneer maintenance is to wear a custom-fitted mouthguard during athletic activities. A mouthguard will help to protect your veneers from chipping, cracking, or becoming dislodged from the dental adhesive.
It will also help protect your natural teeth and delicate gum tissue.
Don’t Grind Your Teeth
One of the most important tips is to not grind your teeth. Grinding can put stress on the veneers and cause them to break.
If you find that you are grinding your teeth, try to identify what is causing it and work on ways to reduce it. You can also discuss it with your dentist to see if they recommend wearing an oral appliance.
Avoid Biting on Hard Objects
Hard objects such as ice, pencils, or hard candy can cause the veneers to chip or crack, which can leave them vulnerable to bacteria and cause permanent damage. To preserve the longevity of your veneers, use your back teeth to chew on hard foods, or find foods that are softer for your front teeth.
Also, avoid using your teeth as tools, such as opening bottles or pulling at wrappers. Doing so can help ensure that your dental veneers are always in tip-top shape.
Limit Alcohol Consumption
When caring for your dental veneers, limiting your alcohol consumption is an important step. Despite having thin layers of highly durable material, dental veneers can be damaged if exposed to excessive levels of alcohol. Alcohol causes dryness in your mouth, which can accelerate the wear and tear of the veneers.
Alcohol damages the enamel on the real teeth, which can undermine the gums and weaken the bond between the real teeth and the veneers.
To protect them, limit your alcohol consumption to one drink per day per the guidelines of the American Dental Association. Additionally, drinking plenty of water in between drinks can help to reduce the effects of alcohol consumption.
Quit Smoking
Quitting smoking is also important in keeping your veneers looking their best. Smoking is known to cause severe stain build-up on the teeth and surface of the veneers, which can be difficult to remove and requires more frequent dental visits.
Stopping smoking will help to reduce staining and keep your veneers looking new.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
One of the best ways to care for your veneers is to visit your dentist regularly. At your appointments, your dentist will check for signs of wear and tear and make sure your veneers are in good condition. Your dentist can also check for any chips, cracks, or discoloration and determine if any repairs or replacements are necessary.
Additionally, your dentist can offer advice on how to best care for your veneers and any preventive measures you can take. Regular checkups and cleaning will also help to keep your mouth healthy and your veneers looking their best.
So, book an appointment at Rifkin Raanan Beverly Hills Cosmetic Dentistry today for the best dental care.
Consider Getting a Nightguard
When caring for your dental veneers, one of the best ways to protect them is to use a nightguard. As you sleep, your teeth can subconsciously rub against each other, which can damage the veneers over time.
A nightguard is custom-made and fitted to your teeth so that it fits snugly and doesn’t cause any discomfort. It not only prevents the veneers from coming in contact with each other but also keeps the tissues in your mouth in good condition.
Protect Your Dental Veneers
By following these tips for caring for your dental veneers, you can protect your investment and keep your smile looking great for years to come. Brush and floss twice daily, don’t use abrasive materials and avoid bad habits, and visit your dentist regularly to ensure your veneers stay beautiful.
So don’t delay – call your dentist today to book an appointment and keep your smile sparkling!
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