Veneers are one of the most popular procedures offered by cosmetic dentists. Not only will they improve the appearance of your teeth, but they can protect them as well.
For example, they can prevent further decay by restoring eroded enamel. That’s not all—they can also prevent discoloration.
The best part? They can last up to 15-20 years. Keep in mind, however, that that’s only true if you take proper care of them.
Did you recently get veneers? Looking for some dental veneer maintenance tips? If so, you’re in the right place.
We’ll be going over some common dental veneer mistakes below—keep reading to learn more!
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You’re Eating Sticky Or Hard Foods
Hard foods such as raw vegetables, fruits, and nuts can cause the porcelain (and other types of veneers) to break or crack. The same goes for tough meats such as steak. If you must eat them, make sure to cut them into smaller pieces.
You also want to avoid sticky foods—things like caramel, toffee, peanut butter, or jawbreakers. They can easily get stuck on your natural teeth, or worse, they can become lodged around your dental veneers, and that can lead to cavities.
In some cases, they can even loosen the veneers from your teeth.
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You’re Smoking Tobacco
While smoking won’t change the color of your veneers per se, it can stain the composite that attaches them to your teeth (the edges may appear brown or yellow).
Not to mention that it’ll also increase your risk of gum disease. For example, it can cause the gums to recede and if that happens, the veneers may fail (ie. they can fall off).
What’s more, the smoke can narrow the blood vessels, and that can prevent oxygen from flowing into the tissues. In other words, your immune system will be compromised. As a result, infections will be more likely to develop around the teeth and gums.
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You Have Poor Dental Hygiene
Just because your teeth are covered with porcelain veneers doesn’t mean that you can neglect your oral hygiene. You still have to brush twice a day (ideally with non-abrasive toothpaste) and floss once a day. The usual things you do to keep your teeth clean should still continue, and you may visit the dentist in redwood city if there are any special considerations with veneers on.
If you want, you can also use an antiseptic mouthwash. Just make sure that it’s alcohol-free as excessive exposure to alcohol can soften the bonding agent that holds the veneers in place.
It’s also recommended that you visit the dentist every six months for a dental cleaning. That’ll help prevent tooth decay and gum disease, both of which are harder to deal with when veneers are involved.
Avoiding Common Dental Veneer Mistakes
And there you have it—three common dental veneer mistakes to avoid. Remember, proper maintenance is key if you want them to last. For those who are thinking of getting them, consider scheduling a dental veneer consultation with a cosmetic dentist.
Did you find this post helpful? You’ll be happy to know that we have a lot more health tips on our blog. Check it out today!
