How Do You Maintain Veneers?
Veneers can last about 10 years with the right care. Veneers are thin porcelain shells that cover a variety of cosmetic flaws. Proper care is the key to maintaining your beautiful smile and getting the most out of your investment. However, poor oral hygiene habits, using the wrong toothpaste, and avoiding the dentist could significantly reduce the lifespan of veneers.
Dr. Craig Goldin at Cosmetic Dentistry Institute serving Birmingham, Bloomfield, and Troy, MI, is committed to providing beautiful, natural-looking dental veneers and assisting patients in maintaining them.
Here are 7 tips for preserving dental veneers:
Establish an Effective Oral Hygiene Routine
Patients who have veneers must commit to effective daily oral hygiene practices, such as:
- Brushing in the morning and evening
- Flossing daily (preferably after the last meal of the day)
- Rinsing with an antiseptic, alcohol-free mouthwash
Neglecting these practices can lead to gum disease and gum recession. Remember: your veneers need a healthy foundation. Staying committed to the basics of oral hygiene can do wonders for the lifespan of your porcelain veneers.
Switch to the Right Toothpaste and Toothbrush
Even the best oral hygiene routines are ineffective (or even damaging) if we do not use the correct tools and products.
Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide in whitening toothpastes may be too abrasive for porcelain veneers. Plus, porcelain veneers are stain-resistant, so whitening isn’t necessary. Gel toothpaste is gentler and will help keep the veneers looking new for as long as possible.
Soft-bristled toothbrushes are gentle enough to clean the veneers without damaging the porcelain. Stay away from hard-bristled toothbrushes and be sure to avoid using too much pressure while brushing. In fact, you should avoid anything but soft-bristled brushes even if you don’t wear veneers!
Address Bruxism
Teeth grinding (bruxism) typically occurs while a person is sleeping. Your jaws are capable of exerting 70 pounds of pressure per square inch or more. If you grind your teeth, talk to us about getting a custom nightguard that protects your veneers and your teeth.
Avoid Harmful Foods
Biting on crunchy and hard foods like apples, nuts, popcorn kernels, carrots, and hard candies can lead to chipped or cracked veneers. This doesn’t mean you have to cut these things out completely - just make sure you don’t use your veneers to bite or chew them.
Quit Using Tobacco Products
It’s no secret that tobacco use diminishes oral health. Smoking and chewing tobacco contribute to gum disease and tooth decay, which threaten the all-important healthy foundation that your veneers need. Tobacco use can also lead to discoloration of natural tooth enamel.
Don’t Use Your Teeth as Tools
Nail biting, opening packages, and carrying items in your mouth when your hands are full should be off-limits for patients with and without veneers. These practices put you at risk for serious dental damage that could lead to tooth loss, severe pain, and needing a veneer replacement.
Visit the Dentist Regularly
Patients with veneers - like all other patients - need to visit the dentist every six months. Our practice can provide the ongoing care you need. During routine dental checkups, dentists examine the teeth, gums, and jaw for oral health concerns. The earlier these problems are detected, the better the outcome for the patient.
For example, when a dentist finds periodontal disease in the earliest stage, the disease is reversible. Untreated periodontal disease becomes a chronic condition that could put the gums, teeth, and any restorations at risk.
Explore Dental Veneers
Veneers require commitment and daily care, but they also offer several benefits like durability and improved self-confidence. Want to learn if this cosmetic treatment is right for your smile? Contact our friendly dental team today at (248) 519-1919 or message us online to schedule an initial consultation.
