Dental veneers are thin shells made from long-lasting and high-quality dental materials and are used to protect, enhance, and restore your teeth. These shells can serve you many years, shielding your teeth and improving their appearance. However, they are not invincible, and proper care is required to protect your veneers from damage. Below, we cover 7 ways to do so.
Damaging Factors for Dental Veneers
A great advantage of getting dental veneers is that they typically tend to last for more than a decade compared, for example, to such solutions as teeth whitening, effects of which sometimes last only a few years. Naturally, with time and constant usage, some wear will occur. However, there are other factors that can expedite the process of normal wear:
- Insufficient maintenance of your veneers
- Insufficient oral hygiene
- Gum disease
- Improper toothbrush and toothpaste (e.g., old, poor quality)
- Skipping dental appointments
- Using your teeth as tools
- Foods and drinks that stain you veneers
- Teeth grinding and clenching habits
- Smoking
7 Ways to Protect Your Veneers From Damage
Tip 1. Maintain Proper Oral Hygiene
Typically plaque does not affect cosmetic veneers, but the teeth underneath them can still be damaged by different factors. This can result in decay and discoloration. In turn, this might lead to changes in the appearance and hue of the veneers. That is why it is so important to make sure that oral hygiene and care are sufficient.
The solution: brush your teeth regularly. We recommend cleaning and carefully flossing your teeth after meals, as well as using a mouthwash solution for rinsing.
Tip 2. Use an Appropriate Toothbrush and Toothpaste
Make sure that you choose a soft toothbrush for brushing your teeth, as harder toothbrushes can be too abrasive and damage the polish on your veneers. In addition, remember some toothpastes can contain abrasives, which may also be harmful for the surface of your veneers. The best solution is to ask your dentist for toothbrush and toothpaste recommendations in advance.
Tip 3. Prevent Gum Disease
Gum disease is dangerous because in most cases it leads to infection and inflammation in the gums. On top of that, infected gums can recede, which results in improper fit of the veneers and some parts of the veneers can become exposed. Once this happens, the appearance of the veneers and the overall look of the smile will be impacted as well. We recommend you visit your dentist as soon as you notice any discomfort or change in the appearance of your gums.
Tip 4. Don’t Skip Regular Dentist Appointments
The best way to deal with any dental problem is to prevent it. Regular visits to your dentist will guarantee that no potential or early-stage issues stay unnoticed and that the proper treatment is applied in a timely manner.
Tip 5. Avoid Damaging Factors
The best practice for caring for your dental veneers is to shield them from physical damage. Try to avoid food that is too hard. And never use your teeth as tools! For example, do not attempt to crack nuts or open bottles with your teeth. Also, make sure you use a mouthguard if there is a risk of physical damage. For instance, playing contact sports puts your teeth at high risk. Anything that impacts your face with force can result in chipping or cracking of the veneers.
In addition, we recommend abstaining from foods and colored drinks that can stain your dental veneers. Examples include:
- Coffee
- Black tea
- Red wine
- Soda and fruit juices
- Beetroot
- Soy sauce
- Berries
- Curry
To reduce the change in color of your veneers, brush your teeth after consuming such products.
Tip 6. Try to Fix Your Teeth-Grinding and Clenching Habits
Such habits can often go unnoticed in daily life. But it is important to pay attention to them if you want to prolong the lifespan of your cosmetic veneers. Unfortunately, the physical impact of grinding can result in destruction of the veneer material. Your dentist can help you defeat this habit by suggesting some treatment options.
Tip 7. Avoid Smoking
Similar to foods and beverages that stain your teeth, smoking has the same effect. If you want to preserve the tint and the overall appearance of your veneers for as long as possible, abstain from smoking.
Taking proper care of your veneers and following the tips listed above will help you enjoy your beautiful smile for years to come. Schedule an appointment with our specialists at La Mirada Dental Group for more personalized and full advice on how to maintain your veneers.