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.

8 tips for dental veneer care

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:

1. Maintain proper oral hygiene

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.

2. Do not chew on hard objects

Veneers are not as strong as natural teeth. Chewing on hard objects, such as fingernails, pens, pencils, or ice, can damage dental work.

3. Avoid consuming foods that cause stains

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.

4. Use a soft toothbrush and nonabrasive whitening toothpaste

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.

5. Get regular dental checkups

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.

6. Do not grind or clench the teeth

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.

7. Stop smoking

Smoking can lead to stains and discoloration. To avoid damaging the dental appliance, do not use tobacco products.

8. Take steps to prevent gum disease

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 Palm Desert, CA

Conclusion

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 Total Care Implant Dentistry at 760-394-3088 for an appointment in our Palm Desert office.

Recent Posts

Starting The Conversation About Veneers With Your Dentist

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…

Changing The Color Of Your Teeth With Veneers

Veneers can improve a patient’s smile in many ways by covering up imperfections in teeth with natural-colored shells. Staining on front teeth is one of the most popular reasons patients choose this type of restoration. People who have lived with discolored teeth can feel uncomfortable smiling in public, and other treatment options may not be…

Can Veneers Be Removed?

Dental veneers are made of porcelain or composite resin material. The shells cover the front surface of a patient's front teeth and can be used to change the size, shape, or color of teeth. These restorations have been used for years to transform smiles, but some may wonder about their permanency. There are several reasons…

Total Care Implant Dentistry

Share
Published by
Total Care Implant Dentistry

Recent Posts

The FAQ’s of Denture Care

Denture care is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle, but few people know the…

6 days ago

Commonly Asked General Dentistry Questions About Toothaches

General dentistry commonly handles toothaches among other dental concerns.

1 week ago

How Proper Denture Care Can Prevent Gum Disease

Denture care is one of the most essential steps in preventing gum disease. Gum disease…

2 weeks ago

Tooth Replacement With Partial Dentures

Maintaining and caring for partial dentures is vital.

3 weeks ago

Why It’s Recommended to Find Time for Denture Care

Denture care is not only recommended but imperative. Dentures, while often associated with older people,…

3 weeks ago

How Regular Dental Checkups Are Important for Denture Care

When you are new to wearing dentures, you have many questions involving your denture care.…

1 month ago