You want a beautiful, healthy smile, but just because you have one doesn’t mean you’ll automatically have the other. Though solutions like veneers can give you the gorgeous glowing grin you’ve always wanted, you still need to take care of your teeth to ensure that they stay looking and feeling their best. If you’ve been considering veneers, here are some helpful tips for keeping them in excellent condition so your teeth and your smile last for years to come!
The Importance of Caring for Veneers
Though your new veneers fit over your teeth like shells, they don’t protect against things like decay and cavities. That’s because not only will there still be some of your natural tooth exposed, but also because bacteria can attack the teeth at the gumline and around the cement holding your veneers into place. Furthermore, because most patients won’t get veneers on every single tooth, your untreated teeth still have the same cavity risks they had prior to treatment.
How to Care for Veneers
Now that you know why it’s so important to care for your new veneers, here’s some insight into how to care for them:
- Always use a soft-bristled toothbrush on your veneers.
- Floss daily.
- Use a non-abrasive toothpaste, as otherwise the porcelain can become scratched. Furthermore, do not use whitening toothpaste on your veneers. Not only is this completely ineffective on porcelain, but it also can damage the cement holding them in place.
- Never use your teeth (both treated and untreated) for anything but food. No tearing open packaging, biting fingernails, or chewing pen caps.
- Avoid any foods that are excessively crunchy (think ice cubes and hard candies) or sticky (such as taffy or caramels).
- Visit your dentist twice a year for your regular, biannual exam and cleaning appointments, and be sure to see the emergency dentist as soon as possible if your veneer comes loose, becomes damaged, or if you notice any other oral health problems developing.
Remember, your new veneers were designed to give you a whiter, brighter smile, but to ensure they last for as long as possible you need to take proper care of them. With a careful balance of excellent hygiene, proper use, and regular visits to your dentist, your new smile could last for up to 20 years!
About Our Practice
At Tylan Creek Family Dentistry, our seven dedicated dentists are here to help give you the smile of your dreams. With durable, beautiful solutions like veneers, we’re proud to help get you that gorgeous glowing grin you deserve! To learn more about our cosmetic dentistry treatments and see if you’re a good fit for veneers, please call the location nearest you, or request an appointment right here on our website!