Want to keep making a glowing impression on your video chats? If you have dental veneers, you really need to take care of them…
Veneers are a very effective form of cosmetic dentistry, making it both simple and relatively inexpensive to fix stained or chipped teeth. You may already be sporting a veneer or two. Rest assured, they should last for years, but only if you follow these five simple steps…
STEP #1: Quit the nervous biting.
Many people absentmindedly chew on hard objects, such as pens, for whatever reason. While this is not particularly good for your teeth in any case, it’s particularly bad if you’ve got dental veneers.
Although made to be tough and hard-wearing, porcelain dental veneers are still a little more fragile than natural tooth enamel. When they face off with hard objects, they will often be the loser, with cracking and general wear a real and present danger. The same goes for harder foods – be careful when gnawing on some delicious ribs, for example. So all in all, it’s good to watch what you bite into.
STEP #2: Toothbrush and toothpaste: Choose carefully, my friend.
If you had your veneers fitted to counteract staining, you may have previously gotten into the habit of using a stiff-bristled toothbrush and abrasive paste in an effort to whiten your smile.
Once you’ve got your veneers, however, you should change to a softer brush and milder toothpaste so as not to damage the veneer surface.
STEP #3: Color me grape: Beware the staining power of food and drink.
If you consume large amounts of naturally staining substances, such as coffee or red wine, you could find that your veneers stay white, while other parts of your smile become discolored. This uneven staining is usually very noticeable, so try and limit your consumption, or brush as soon as you can after consuming them.
While your veneers were formulated to be stain-resistant, the adhesives that bond them to your real teeth may be subject to, and certainly not of your remaining natural enamel surfaces.
STEP #4: Keep your guard up, kid.
However tough they are, dental veneers are still somewhat prone to cracking and chipping when subjected to shocks. If you play any contact sports, or take part in other similar activities, it’s a good idea to wear a guard to prevent damaging your veneers.
Also beware of nocturnal tooth grinding. You may do this without even being aware of it, and it is particularly harmful to veneers, so look out for the warning signs and wear a mouth guard overnight if necessary. See your dentist when the time is right!
STEP #5: Keep it clean, people, keep it clean.
Lastly, veneers are a generally low-maintenance type of cosmetic dental treatment, but this doesn’t mean you can slacken off on proper oral care. If your standards slip, you could be storing up future problems hidden behind your healthy-looking veneers. Make an appointment to have them looked at!
Don’t neglect your regular dental check-ups, and always ask your hygienist if your veneers could benefit from a quick polish and clean on your visits to help keep them in top condition.
Here’s a fun video from vlogger, Christen Dominique, about her experience receiving dental veneers.
Despite their ease of fitting and low cost compared to many other forms of cosmetic dentistry, veneers still represent a significant investment. Looking after them in these simple ways will help ensure they continue to brighten your smile! Ask us for more valuable information about your dental veneers.