Straight Teeth in Less Time

Prolong The Life Of Your Dental Veneers: Do's And Don'ts

22 April 2015

Lois Murray

Dental veneers are one of the largest investments you can possibly make for your appearance. The dental device is long lasting and it can drastically alter your smile by creating straighter, whiter teeth without any flaws. Even better, the procedure is minimally invasive and most patients have no down time.

Even though veneers are not your natural teeth, they still require daily maintenance—like your regular teeth. If you have recently had veneers applied to your teeth, make sure you incorporate these do's and don'ts into your daily routine.

Dental Veneers: Do's

As with anything else—especially cosmetic—you need to make sure your veneers remain clean and damage free. You can do this by following these do's:

• DO invest in a mouth guard. Teeth grinding may seem harmless, but it can easily break or chip your veneers. If you grind your teeth in your sleep—even if it is only occasionally—you should invest in a night guard. This special device is custom-fitted to your mouth and it will protect your teeth at night from any grinding or chewing motions.
• DO visit your dentist regularly. Even though veneers are made from porcelain, they still require regular check-ups. Routine check-ups at Dentistry For the Entire Family will tell your dentist how your mouth is handling the veneers, as well as how the veneers are holding up. The dentist can also use these appointments to polish your veneers, which will keep them white and beautiful.
• DO be careful about what you eat. Porcelain may seem strong, but it can easily break in the right circumstances. So it is important that you do not chew on very hard foods or non-food items. You should also avoid using your teeth as tools. Additionally, you may want to avoid foods and beverages that can stain teeth, because while veneers are stain-resistant, your natural teeth are not; and over time, your natural teeth may stain, and your veneers may become obvious due to the color difference.

By following these simple do's, you are well on your way to long lasting and beautiful teeth—veneers and all.

Dental Veneers: Don'ts

In addition to doing specific things, you should avoid doing certain things to prolong the life of your veneers. Here are some don'ts you should avoid:

• DON'T use an abrasive toothpaste. Porcelain is susceptible to scratches, so it is important that you avoid using an abrasive toothpaste. You should also avoid using anything else abrasive, such as baking soda, to clean your teeth.
• DON'T grind your teeth. You should never grind your teeth—even if you don't have veneers. However, if you have veneers you should make sure that you never grind your teeth as the pressure and motion of grinding can seriously damage your natural teeth and your veneers.
• DON'T use at home whitening products. If you notice that your natural teeth have become discolored, you should visit a cosmetic dentist for whitening. Although at-home kits do work, they may provide you with odd results; since veneers can not be whitened.

These don'ts are fairly easy to follow and will ensure that your natural teeth—and your veneers—stay healthy and beautiful for years to come.

Although it may seem a bit time-consuming to incorporate these do's and don'ts into your daily routine, it will soon become second nature. If you have any questions about veneers, be sure to talk to your cosmetic dentist.

Share

Search