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 Columbia, SC

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 Davis & Dingle Family Dentistry at 803-567-1804 for an appointment in our Columbia office.

Recent Posts

3 Reasons To Get Veneers

For patients with aesthetic and structural tooth imperfections, dental veneers are a common solution for improving the function and look of one’s smile. This restorative option involves attaching custom-designed shells, made from either composite materials or porcelain, over the front, visible portion of a tooth. For patients considering this solution to enhance the appearance of…

When Should Veneers Be Replaced?

Dental veneers can transform a smile. The American Dental Association defines these as "thin, custom-made shells crafted of tooth-colored materials designed to cover the front side of teeth." These restorations are typically made of porcelain or resin and can last for many years. There are some situations in which veneers need to be replaced; most…

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…

Davis & Dingle Family Dentistry

Share
Published by
Davis & Dingle Family Dentistry

Recent Posts

When Denture Repair Is Recommended

Wear and tear make denture repairs inevitable in the long run. This is why a…

6 days ago

A Guide to Finding a General Dentist

Maintaining good oral health is essential to a healthy lifestyle. Regular visits to a general…

7 days ago

How a General Dentist Can Help Prevent Cavities

A general dentist spends a significant portion of their time performing preventative treatments like teeth…

2 weeks ago

The FAQ’s of Sedation for Painless Dentistry

Are you concerned about whether or not you will receive painless dentistry at your next…

3 weeks ago

The Benefits of Routine Dental Visits at a General Dentist

Visiting a general dentist on a routine basis is one of the most important things…

3 weeks ago

The Role of a General Dentist in Maintaining Oral Health

Besides ourselves, one other person plays a highly important role in maintaining our oral health,…

1 month ago