How Should I Take Care of My Dental Veneers?

Veneers include a thin layer of composite resin and porcelain. They are customized for patients looking to enhance their appearance. Once the dentist applies the veneer, the outcome is a natural-looking surface. The outcome will last for longer with proper care. Moreover, dental veneers have a high resistance to damage and staining.

Porcelain veneers have a lifespan of 5-10 years. However, those made of resin have a much shorter lifespan. But both these types do not require any special care. The dentist recommends brushing, flossing, and professional dental visits regularly. Although these thin shells do not decay or deteriorate, it is still essential to care for gums and teeth to ensure the veneers last longer.

Caring for Veneer Teeth – What You Need to Know?

Below are some care tips to follow for veneers:

1. Visit the Dentist Every Six Months

Do not forget to book your appointment at a dental clinic for an oral exam and dental cleaning. During teeth cleaning, the dentist scrapes tartar and plaque buildup from the teeth gently.

The expert will also check the condition of your veneer teeth. If he/she spots any issue with the veneer, the expert addresses it quickly. The dentist uses professional equipment to polish the dental veneers.

2. Stay Away from Teeth Staining Items

Same as your teeth, the veneer also gets stained. So, it’s best to restrict the consumption of foods that cause discoloration on the teeth. It includes soya sauce, red wine, blueberries, dark sodas, coffee, etc. Also, quit smoking because it also leads to stains and declines your overall health.

3. Practice Good Dental Hygiene Everyday

Always follow a good oral hygiene routine for the long life of the veneer. It just includes flossing, brushing, and rinsing. Though porcelain dental veneer does not decay, some areas of teeth still may get exposed to it.

The best method to keep the veneer in tip-top condition is to practice proper oral hygiene. As you know, gum diseases result in receding and inflammation in the gums. It exposes some areas of veneer and significantly affects your overall smile.

a) Brushing

Brush your teeth with an electric or manual brush and a non-abrasive toothpaste two times a day after every meal.

b) Flossing

Plaque hides where the bristles of toothbrushes fail to reach. So, try to floss a minimum once a day after every meal. It will eradicate food particles stuck between teeth and increase the life of veneers.

c) Rinse

Swish a high-quality antiseptic and alcohol-free mouthwash one or two times a day.

4. Restrict the Consumption of Sweets

Sugary drinks and foods leave behind a plaque on teeth. Plaque eats sugar and uses it to generate cavities-causing acid. This leads to many oral health problems. Therefore, it’s better to limit these sugary sweets. Ensure you check each label while buying drinks and foods in the store that contains sugar.

5. Avoid Grinding Teeth

When you clench or grind your teeth while sleeping, it puts a lot of stress on dental veneers in Hamilton, ON. It is also not good for the jaw joints. Thus, if you have such a habit, talk to your dentist immediately. He/she will recommend a nighttime mouthguard to protect your teeth and veneers.

6. Do Not Chew on Objects

Porcelain tooth veneers are not as robust and long-lasting as natural teeth. Chewing on hard objects with the veneer installed can result in damage and chipping. So, avoid chewing the fingernails, pencils, ice, etc.

7. Avoid Using Your Teeth as Tools

It is also vital to avoid the use of teeth. For example, prying off a bottle cap, breaking walnut shells, etc. Doing this will more likely cause chipping and ruin your looks.

8. Protect Your Veneers and Natural Teeth

Taking part in wrestling, basketball, and other contact sports can create trauma to your gums and teeth. Buying a mouthguard at a dental clinic can help you protect your new smile in the long run. When your mouth is healthy, porcelain veneers are more likely to stay for a longer time.

For more tips to keep your smile looking radiant, visit the dentists at Jackson Square Dental Centre today.