If you have aesthetic imperfections in your smile like chips, cracks, stubborn stains, mild gaps, or somewhat overcrowded teeth, you could benefit from veneers. These thin porcelain shells are bonded over the front surface of your enamel to mask one or several flaws at a time. Plus, they’re customized to match the shape, size, and color of your natural teeth for seamless results.
However, you must care for your veneers properly to continue to enjoy their many benefits. Keep reading to learn 3 things you can do to keep your restorations in excellent condition!
Tip #1: Establish a Routine
Cosmetic procedures like veneers can enhance your appearance and boost your confidence, but you must clean them consistently to maintain your upgraded grin. Although these ceramic covers cannot get cavities, the underlying teeth can develop tooth decay or gum disease that puts them at risk. If your gums recede or if your enamel is damaged, the seams of your prosthetics are more likely to be exposed. It could even fall off altogether without enough healthy material to hold it in place.
Fortunately, this can be prevented by establishing a consistent at-home dental hygiene routine! Brushing and flossing twice daily removes plaque and germs that contribute to dental problems to preserve your veneers. You should also visit your dentist every 6 months for a routine checkup and cleaning to catch and address areas of concern, like thinning enamel or swollen gums, before they progress.
Tip #2: Watch What You Eat
Your prosthetics are coated in a glaze durable enough to resist a certain amount of damage and discoloration, but that doesn’t mean they’re invincible. They may stain slower than your natural teeth, but prolonged or repeated exposure to darkly pigmented foods can leave them looking worse for wear.
Paying attention to the foods you eat and making conscientious decisions can keep them looking brighter for longer. For instance, you may want to avoid common culprits like coffee, tea, wine, or berries that are infamous for tinting teeth. You should also steer clear of overly hard or sticky options that can chip, crack, or yank your veneers out of place.
Tip #3: Protect Your Teeth
Do you chronically clench your jaw at night while you’re sleeping? Those suffering from bruxism, or teeth grinding, are more likely to hurt their veneers because all the added force of crushing your pearly whites together can harm them. Not only might you fracture or chip one of the ceramic shells, but you can also prematurely wear down the enamel on the back side of your teeth, increasing your vulnerability to cavities and gum disease.
Thankfully, your dentist can provide a night guard to provide an extra layer of cushion between your upper and lower arches. This protects your teeth and veneers from potential harm to safeguard your smile.
Following these helpful tips can keep your restorations looking new for years!
Meet the Author
Dr. Viet “Vince” Tran enjoys helping people of all ages build and maintain the happiest, healthiest version of their smiles. He graduated from the LECOM School of Dental Medicine and then completed a dental residency program at the Orlando Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Today, he provides a wide array of services at one convenient location to meet your unique needs. He combines a compassionate approach with state-of-the-art equipment to improve patient comfort while delivering accurate results. If you’re considering veneers, you can request an appointment on the website or call (281) 493-0061.