How to Care for Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are a popular restorative and cosmetic option that general dentists recommend for teeth that are in bad shape due to staining, chips, cracks or breaks. They are extremely thin and act as a plastic covering that gets cemented directly over the natural teeth. Typically, general dentists recommend them for teeth that are in the front of the mouth. Because dental veneers act as restorations, many patients are curious as to how to make them last once they have been placed. 

Caring for dental veneers

Outlined below are a few recommendations from a general dentist on how to care for dental veneers once they have been placed.

Maintain good oral hygiene

The best way to care for dental veneers is to practice good oral hygiene daily. Dental veneers are delicate; however, once placed, they are extremely durable, meaning they do not require a ton of special care. Just like natural teeth though, dental veneers can stain or become damaged, which is why oral hygiene is so important. 

Patients should still brush their teeth at least twice a day, if not after every meal. Additionally, flossing should be done at least once a day to ensure that nothing gets left behind in between teeth that have dental veneers over them. Lastly, rising with mouthwash or salt water can help access hard-to-reach areas around the veneers. 

Avoid certain foods

One way to care for dental veneers is to avoid consuming certain foods. Foods that are extremely sticky such as taffy, gums or candies can damage the veneer, which could lead to problems with the natural tooth. Additionally, it is recommended to avoid eating things that are hard, which could crack, chip or break the dental veneer. Such foods consist of meats with bones, jerky or some raw vegetables. 

Visit a general dentist regularly

Another easy way to take care of dental veneers is to visit the general dentist regularly. Dentists can carefully examine the veneers to ensure that there are no imperfections or abnormalities, which may indicate damage or a need for replacement. General dentists can also spot early signs that may indicate a problem is on the way. Oftentimes, patients are not able to see such things themselves, which is why routine checkups are so necessary. 

Be careful

Lastly, general dentists tell their patients to simply be careful. Avoiding rough play or physical sports that could result in a blow to the mouth will help ensure that the dental veneers do not get damaged, which could lead to a need for replacement. 

Learn more today!

Want to learn more about dental veneers and caring for them? Working with a general dentist is the best place to start. They can perform an evaluation to determine if dental veneers are a good option. Additionally, they can provide patient-specific tips for caring for dental veneers. Any questions or concerns should be addressed by a general dentist. Reach out today to learn more or to get started!

Request an appointment here: https://davisanddingle.com or call Davis & Dingle Family Dentistry at (803) 567-1804 for an appointment in our Columbia office.

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