Dental veneers are thin shells that are placed over your natural teeth to create a more even, brighter,
and healthy-looking smile. Although veneers are made of porcelain and tend to be stain-resistant and strong, it’s still important to take the best possible care of your dental veneers. By getting regular checkups with your dentist and taking care of your veneers, you can maximize their lifespan and have a gorgeous smile for years to come!
How can you take the best care of your dental veneers?
Brush and Floss Normally
As your veneers are very sturdy, don’t be afraid to damage them with regular brushing and flossing. That being said, you should never brush or floss too aggressively. Brushing removes plaque that builds up from food and bacteria and flossing helps to reach all the spaces that brushing misses. Carry on with your regular brushing and flossing routine—aim to brush twice a day and floss at least once per day!
Use a Non-Abrasive Toothpaste
Traditional toothpastes clean your teeth by using mildly abrasive elements such as particles of silica or calcium carbonate. These particles act as tiny scrubbers that get your teeth clean. Although no toothpaste is totally non-abrasive, there are some that are more mildly abrasive than others. This could include using a toothpaste for sensitive teeth—this type of toothpaste may be ideal as patients often experience mild tooth sensitivity for a few days after the adhesion of their veneers. Talk with your dentist about which toothpaste he or she would recommend to care for your veneers.
If You Suffer from Bruxism, Talk to Your Dentist
Bruxism (teeth grinding) can be very damaging to your natural teeth as well as your veneers. The best time to address your concerns about bruxism is during your consultation for dental veneers. Your dentist can take this into account when making your custom veneers. Although your dental veneers are strong, your jaw exerts intense pressure onto your teeth during grinding and can damage them!
Don’t Misuse Your Teeth
Your teeth were made for biting and chewing, but this doesn’t mean it’s beneficial to bite on objects such as metal or pens or chew on ice. You’ll need to protect your veneers just as you would your natural teeth. Biting on objects that weren’t meant to be in contact with your teeth can crack or chip your veneers, and you’ll need a replacement earlier than you would have if you had avoided this practice.
Porcelain veneers are an excellent choice for many patients—they’re very stain-resistant, strong, and make a beautiful smile. Patients can even experience improved gum health with dental veneers. Talk with your dentist about the proper care for your veneers—they can last for years with the right treatment!
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