Veneers are one of the most durable cosmetic dental treatments. In fact, they can last for 15 – 20 years or longer! Of course, you can only expect them to live up to that potential if you do your best to take care of them. What are some things you can do to make your veneers last as long as possible? This blog post provides some useful tips.
Stick to a Thorough Oral Hygiene Routine
Veneers are invulnerable to cavities. However, the teeth that support them are still able to develop spots of decay. To protect them, it is important that you brush at least twice a day (use a minimally abrasive toothpaste that will not scratch your veneers). You should also floss daily. Some people find it beneficial to rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash.
Make Wise Food Choices
Veneers are able to stand up to all the challenges of regular eating and drinking, so you will not have to worry about sticking to a highly restrictive diet while you have them. However, it is also important to keep in mind that some foods are better for them than others. It would be best to minimize your intake of alcohol, sticky foods, and extremely hard foods. To protect the teeth under your veneers, a low-sugar diet is best.
Try to center your eating habits on items that support oral and overall health. Fruits, veggies, lean proteins, and healthy fats can all be beneficial.
Minimize the Risk of Breakage
Certain activities and habits might cause your veneers to break. To reduce the risk of that happening, you should not chew on your fingernails, bite on ice, or use your teeth to open packages. It is also important that you wear a protective mouthguard whenever you are playing sports.
Do Not Neglect Routine Dental Visits
Make it your goal to visit your dentist every 6 months for a cleaning and checkup. During these appointments, your dental team can examine both your veneers and your oral tissues. If there are any causes for concern, you may be able to get them addressed before they become serious.
Do Not Smoke
Cigarette smoke could easily discolor the adhesive agent that binds veneers onto teeth. It also significantly increases the risk of numerous oral health conditions, such as dry mouth, gum disease, and various types of infections. If your oral health significantly worsens, your dentist might need to remove your veneers so they can provide necessary treatment.
Taking good care of veneers is not difficult! Use the guidance in this blog post to keep your smile in great shape for the long haul.
Meet the Practice
At Willow Run Dental Association, we proudly provide a broad range of services to our community, including cosmetic treatments like veneers. If you would like to enhance your smile, or you have questions about how to care for the results of a cosmetic treatment, we would be pleased to serve you. Contact our Auburn, ME, office at 207-352-2825.