Dental veneers are thin pieces of porcelain that are designed to mimic the appearance of natural teeth. To maximize their effectiveness, patients should learn how to care for them. These appliances are used to enhance the appearance of the smile by covering flaws, such as broken, discolored, chipped, or gapped teeth. With proper care, such dental work can last for 10 to 15 years.
A consistent maintenance routine can help prevent this dental work from becoming damaged or changing in appearance. These eight guidelines can help patients properly care for dental veneers:
The dental work itself will not decay, but without a consistent oral hygiene routine, the exposed portions of the teeth may. Patients should brush the teeth twice per day, rinse with mouthwash after every meal, and floss daily.
Veneers are not as strong as natural teeth. Chewing on hard objects, such as fingernails, pens, pencils, or ice, can damage dental work.
While these appliances are stain-resistant, the material used to attach the dental work to the teeth is not. Consuming foods that cause stains, such as tea, coffee, or soda, can result in the edges of the veneers becoming dark or yellow.
Using a toothbrush with hard bristles or abrasive toothpaste can damage the polish on dental work. Use a soft-bristled brush and consult with a dentist about safe kinds of whitening toothpaste. To keep the shade of the natural teeth matching the veneers, a whitening toothpaste is recommended, but avoid toothpastes that contain gritty substances. A dentist can provide a tutorial on how to clean the teeth without damaging the dental appliance.
Visiting a dentist for a checkup every six months helps keep the teeth and gums healthy and provides the dentist with an opportunity to inspect the dental work and make any needed repairs or adjustments. The patient also can address any concerns that may have arisen.
Grinding and clenching teeth can severely damage the porcelain in dental work. Patients who have issues with grinding or clenching the teeth should discuss treatment options with a dentist.
Smoking can lead to stains and discoloration. To avoid damaging the dental appliance, do not use tobacco products.
Gum disease can cause the gums to recede. Receding gums may partially expose the appliance, degrading the overall appearance of the smile. Proper oral hygiene and regular dental visits can protect against gum disease.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Veneers and Dental Laminates in Delray Beach, FL
Following these eight tips for proper maintenance of your dental veneers can help you avoid premature wear and tear, stains, and other issues that could shorten the life of the dental appliance and degrade the appearance of the smile. A dentist can provide additional guidance if needed.
Request an appointment or call Palm Beach Dentistry at 561-225-2057 for an appointment in our Delray Beach office.
Veneers are artificial tooth coverings made of porcelain or resin that can improve a patient’s smile. Only fixed to the surface of the patient’s natural teeth, these dental appliances can be used to repair a majority of aesthetic issues, such as chips, stains, or cracks. Getting any dental treatment that mends problems with a smile…
For dental patients wanting minor corrections to cosmetic issues, veneers offer a quick and easy solution by covering the fronts of teeth with a thin shell. Placing these restorations is typically done in three stages and takes around three weeks. It is relatively simple and generally does not involve intense preparation on the patient's part.…
As cosmetic dentistry options that can fix the look of damaged or stained teeth, dental veneers can help restore the smile of patients with gum disease. Many are able to get this treatment when the disease is under control. However, gingivitis or periodontitis is different for every patient. One patient may have a disease that…
Invisalign® is a discreet teeth-straightening method. Research shows that many people prefer this method to traditional braces. The clear aligners offer a more comfortable way to align teeth. Knowing when to choose Invisalign can help you prepare for your upcoming appointments.The metal wires and brackets of traditional braces can cause scrapes and holes in the…
If someone is missing teeth, it is imperative to replace them as soon as possible. Implant-supported dentures are one option for replacement. These fixed dentures allow for an effective and natural bite, which means that the wearer can eat normally. Unlike traditional dentures, implant-supported ones are attached to the jawbone, which prevents bone loss and…