Veneers are a long-term way to enhance your smile. In fact, they are one of the longest-lasting cosmetic dental treatments. For some patients, they endure for 15 – 20 years or longer! How can you get more out of your veneers and help them reach their potential for longevity? Continue reading to discover five helpful tips.
Maintain Thorough Oral Hygiene
Veneers cannot get cavities, but the teeth underneath them can! To protect your underlying dentition, you should thoroughly brush twice a day and floss once a day. Be sure to use a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste (some toothpastes could scratch veneers, so ask your dentist for product recommendations). You may also choose to rinse regularly with mouthwash.
Choose Your Foods Carefully
Veneers are tough, so you do not have to be overly worried that your favorite meals or beverages will damage them. However, just like natural teeth, some foods are riskier than others. Try to be moderate in your intake of sugary, sticky, and hard foods. If you eat food with hard parts, such as bone-in meat or popcorn, take careful bites so you do not accidentally chip a veneer. Also, be sure to eat lots of nutrient-dense foods that support the health of your teeth and gums. Calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin C are all important.
Minimize the Risk of Breakage
The last thing you want is to break or chip a veneer. To minimize the risk, remember that you should never use your teeth to chew on your fingernails, ice, or other non-food items. If you play sports or tend to grind your teeth at night, ask your dentist about getting a custom mouthguard to protect your smile.
Keep Up with Routine Dental Visits
You should visit your dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning. At these appointments, your care team will check on the health of both your veneers and your oral tissues. They can also polish your veneers to keep them looking good. If your dentist identifies any issues that need to be addressed, be sure to get those cared for sooner rather than later.
Do Not Smoke
Veneers resist stains, but cigarette smoke can easily discolor the adhesive that bonds them to teeth. Smoking can also increase the risk of issues like dry mouth, gum disease, and infections. Such problems can compromise the integrity of the teeth beneath your veneers, which might mean they have to be removed so you can undergo necessary restorative care.
Your veneers might last for decades with the right care! Use the above-listed tips to keep your smile shining.
Meet the Practice
At Willow Run Dental Association, our team proudly provides a broad range of services, including cosmetic treatments like veneers. If you are ready to enhance your smile, or you have questions about how to care for existing veneers, we would be pleased to serve you. Contact our Auburn, ME, office at 207-352-2825.