Preserving Beauty And Functionality
Veneers are an asset to our smile, so it's vital to know how to care for them to ensure they stay looking their best for many years. If you already have a solid dental hygiene schedule, you probably won't need to remember to care for your veneers by brushing, flossing, and rinsing because it has become part of your routine. Although it may seem basic, we just need to be careful about these three.
- Brushing: It's crucial to brush your teeth at least twice daily using a nonabrasive toothpaste and either a manual or electric toothbrush. Your dental health matters, so make it a daily priority! Ideally, aim to brush after every meal.
- Flossing: To achieve the best oral health, it is important to floss and brush your teeth at least daily to effectively remove food particles and plaque buildup. Your oral health is important, so don't forget to brush twice daily to protect your teeth, veneers, and gums. For the best results, flossing after every meal is recommended.
- Rinse: Use antiseptic mouthwash daily, swishing it around your mouth once or twice a day to rinse thoroughly. Opt for an alcohol-free mouthwash to avoid the potential softening of the bonding agent that secures the veneers to your teeth. Although this wouldn't necessarily dislodge the veneers, it could increase their susceptibility to discoloration and deterioration.
Dental veneers is a new start with a new white smile. Remember that dental veneers do not eliminate the necessity for regular oral hygiene. They serve as a fresh start, encouraging the continuation of good habits. Veneers need the same aftercare as natural teeth, like daily cleaning and care.
“Sometimes, our joy is the source of our happiness, but sometimes our smile can be the source of our happiness.”
-Thich Nhat Hanh
Elements that can affect Veneers
Dental veneers' durability can vary based on many variables, including the type of veneers, how well they are maintained, and each person's oral health.
A few essential elements that can affect how long veneers last are:
- Veneer material ( which material you choose)
- Oral hygiene is the key
- Diet and lifestyle
- Teeth grinding
- Accidents and trauma
- Professional care and maintenance
- Natural wear and tear
Signs That Veneers May Need Substitution
1. Chips, cracks, or fractures in the veneers can compromise aesthetics and function.
2. While veneers are resistant to staining, they may become stained at the edges over time due to underlying issues like decay.
3. Changes in gum line due to decline can render the edge of veneers, affecting their manifestation and longevity.
Cleaning Tips for Veneers
So here are a few more tips apart from brushing, flossing, and rinsing to keep a bright white, confident smile with veneers
As discussed before, when brushing your veneers, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and chemical-free toothpaste to clean them gently. Avoid abrasive materials or harsh chemicals, as they can scratch or damage the surface of the veneers.
Avoid Staining Foods and Drinks
Like natural teeth, it is essential to remember the impact certain foods and drinks can have on tooth discoloration. Limiting your consumption of items known to cause staining, such as coffee, tea, red wine, dark sodas, soy sauce, and berries. To minimize staining, it is advisable to rinse your mouth with water after consuming these food items.
Quit smoking
You already know that using tobacco products is injurious to your overall health, but it can be especially harmful to your oral health. Along with the many health risks posed by cigarettes and tobacco products, they can also cause yellow staining and damage to natural teeth and veneers. If you want to maintain the appearance of your veneers and avoid potential health issues, quitting tobacco is a good idea. Not only will it improve your overall health, but it will also assist you to keep your veneers looking white and bright.
“Cigarette smoking is responsible for over 480,000 deaths annually in the United States. This is nearly one in five deaths.”
Use a Mouth Rinse
Consider using an alcohol-free mouthwash to help keep your veneers clean and fresh. Look for products specifically designed for use with dental veneers.
Change your toothpaste
After getting veneers, changing your dental hygiene techniques is essential, and you should consider using a different toothpaste. Gritty toothpaste designed to polish away surface stains on teeth can damage porcelain veneers.
When your dentist fits veneers, they carefully match them to your surrounding teeth to ensure a seamless blend with your smile. Many patients undergo whitening before getting veneers to achieve this blend. Using a whitening toothpaste can prevent your natural teeth from staining and looking different from your veneers over time. It could also help prevent surface staining on the veneers themselves.
Avoid Hard Objects
Veneers are quite durable, but they can chip and break. While everyday foods shouldn't present a problem, one should avoid biting complex objects such as nuts, apples, ice cubes, or candies, as this can chip, crack, or damage your veneers.
Protect your teeth from damage
Sport is an important part of a healthy lifestyle, but participating in sports such as basketball, soccer, boxing, or any other contact sports or other physical activities that could harm your teeth can jeopardize your oral health. Make sure to wear a mouthguard when participating in such activities. Additionally, refrain from using your teeth for purposes other than eating, as this can lead to enamel damage. Mouthguard will save you from any potential trauma and protect your smile.
Use a Night Guard
Bruxism, the nighttime grinding or clenching of teeth, poses a significant risk to your veneers, as it places undue stress on them. Additionally, it can harm your natural teeth and jaw joints. If you suspect you grind your teeth, It is essential to see your dentist promptly. Your dentist can provide a nighttime bite guard, also known as an occlusal guard, to wear while you sleep. This device will effectively safeguard your new veneers and natural teeth, ensuring their protection from damage. Bruxism, the nighttime grinding or clenching of teeth, poses a significant risk to your veneers, as it places undue stress on them.
Additionally, it can harm your natural teeth and jaw joints. If you suspect that you grind your teeth, it is essential to consult your dentist immediately. Your dentist can provide a nighttime bite guard to wear while you sleep. This device will effectively safeguard your new veneers and natural teeth, protecting them from damage.
Emergency Care
If you accidentally damage or chip a veneer, contact your dentist immediately for advice. They may be able to repair the veneer or recommend the best course of action to restore your smile.
Professional Maintenance
Your dentist may recommend periodic polishing to maintain the shine and appearance of your veneers. Follow their advice on professional maintenance to ensure optimal results.
Schedule Regular Dental Checkups and Cleanings
Visiting the dentist is crucial for ensuring the well-being of your teeth. One should schedule a dental checkup approximately every six months to safeguard both your natural teeth and veneers. By doing so, any emerging issues or signs of damage can be promptly detected and treated before they escalate into more severe problems. Furthermore, during these visits, your dentist or dental hygienist will utilize specialized tools to meticulously polish your veneers, preserving their radiant, pearly-white shine.
These instructions and tips can keep your veneers clean, healthy, and beautiful for years. Remember, consulting with your dentist regularly and promptly addressing any concerns will help preserve your dental health and the aesthetic benefits of your veneers. Always seek personalized advice and recommendations from your dentist, tailored to your specific dental needs.
Contact your Pinole dentist, Dr. Azadeh Hosseini, DDS, or Ghazal Hosseini, DDS, at Top Pinole Dental to learn more about Maintaining Your Veneers.
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*This media/content or any other on this website does not prescribe, recommend, or prevent any treatment or procedure. Therefore, we highly recommend that you get the advice of a qualified dentist or other medical practitioners regarding your specific dental condition.*