Helpful Tips on How to Care for Dental Veneers Properly
Dental veneers are a popular cosmetic dental service that can transform the appearance of your smile. They are thin, custom-made shells that fit over the front surface of your teeth, covering any imperfections and giving your teeth a natural and beautiful look. Veneers are a long-lasting solution to improve the aesthetics of your teeth, but they require proper care to maintain their appearance and function.
Here are some tips on how to take care of your dental veneers:
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential to the health and longevity of your dental veneers. Brush your teeth at least twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Floss daily to remove any food debris and plaque buildup around your veneers. Using an antibacterial mouthwash is essential to kill bacteria that can cause gum disease and tooth decay.
Avoid Hard and Sticky Foods
Dental veneers are strong, but hard and sticky foods can still damage them. Avoid biting into hard foods like ice, hard candy, and popcorn kernels. These foods can cause your veneers to chip or crack. Sticky foods like caramel and taffy can also damage your veneers by pulling them off your teeth or sticking to them.
Use a Mouthguard
If you participate in sports or other physical activities, wearing a mouthguard to protect your dental veneers is essential. A mouthguard can help prevent your veneers from cracking or chipping due to impact. Custom-made mouthguards are available from your dental services provider.
Quit Smoking
Smoking is harmful to your oral health and can stain your dental veneers. Smoking can also increase your risk of gum disease and tooth decay, which can compromise the health of your veneers. Quitting smoking is the best thing you can do for your overall health and the longevity of your veneers.
Avoid Excessive Alcohol Consumption
Excessive alcohol consumption can also harm your oral health and your veneers. Alcohol can dry out your mouth, leading to tooth decay and gum disease. It can also stain your veneers and cause them to deteriorate over time.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Regular dental checkups and cleanings are essential to the health of your dental veneers. Your dental services provider can monitor the condition of your veneers and detect any problems early on. They can also clean your teeth and remove any plaque buildup that can damage your veneers.
Avoid Teeth Grinding
Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, can damage dental veneers and natural teeth. Talk to your dentist about a custom-made nightguard if you grind your teeth. A nightguard provides a cushion between your teeth and protects your veneers from damage.
Conclusion
Dental veneers are a great way to improve the appearance of your smile, but they require proper care to maintain their beauty and function. By practicing good oral hygiene, avoiding hard and sticky foods, wearing a mouthguard, quitting smoking, avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, visiting your dentist regularly, and avoiding teeth grinding, you can ensure the longevity of your dental veneers and overall oral health. If you have questions about caring for your dental veneers, talk to your dental services provider.
If you’re looking for a dental services provider to help you with dental veneers and their care, consider booking an appointment with Southborough Dental Partners. Our team of experienced dentists can provide you with the best care for your dental veneers and help you maintain a healthy and beautiful smile. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.