Caring for Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are a cosmetic dental procedure that can improve the appearance of your smile. It is possible to use veneers for a variety of reasons. For example, you use dental veneers to whiten your teeth if you have significant coloration issues. In addition, dental veneers can fix chipped or broken teeth. 

To receive veneers, your dentist must file down the front part of your tooth to ensure a flush fit. For this reason, the process of getting veneers is permanent. Dental veneers last around ten years with proper care and attention. If you want to fix a minor issue or renew your smile, talk to your dentist about dental veneers. 

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Regular Oral Hygiene

One of the many benefits of dental veneers is your oral care routine. Much like your natural teeth, you will care for your dental veneers with regular brushing and flossing. Dentists recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day or after meals. This helps rid your mouth of plaque (a sticky bacteria).

Plaque is the cause of tooth decay and gum disease. This is because harmful bacteria will create an acid that destroys your enamel. While dental veneers are not susceptible to decay, the remaining part of your natural tooth can receive damage. 

With dental veneers, regular brushing and flossing will suffice to care for your dental veneers. When you do brush your teeth, you should avoid using whitening toothpaste. This is because dental veneers do not change shades once your dentist has placed them. However, your natural teeth can still receive stains.

If you use whitening toothpaste or consume staining foods, the shades of your teeth may not match. 

Avoid Hard Foods

Dental veneers are made of durable porcelain, making them resistant to stains and damage. However, they are not invincible. It is possible to break or chip your dental veneers. In order to make your veneers last longer, you should avoid eating hard or overly sticky foods. Nuts or ice can chip your veneers. Additionally, sticky foods like toffee or hard caramel can pull the veneers from your teeth. Although it is rare for veneers to pop off, it is possible. 

Visit Your Dentist

The best way to keep your dental veneers healthy and in shape is to make your regular dental appointments. This will allow your dental team to make sure your veneers are in working order. Additionally, you will receive a thorough dental cleaning. All dental cleanings help you remove plaque buildup that you cannot reach during your daily oral routine. When you get a professional cleaning, your dental hygienist knows how to efficiently clean your teeth, especially with your dental veneers. 

Since it is possible for the rest of your natural teeth to decay, your dental team may take x-rays to ensure the health of your teeth. It may be difficult to see or feel decay with your dental veneers. Therefore, your dentist will view your teeth internally with an x-ray.