Dental veneers are a versatile solution that can remedy a wide variety of issues, including teeth discoloration, misalignment, and chipping. This is why veneers are popular among dentists and their patients.
If you are planning to get veneers, you are probably wondering how easy or difficult they are to care for.
Veneers can last anywhere between five to 10 years. Fortunately, they are easy to care for and do not require any particular regimen other than performing your daily dental hygiene habits and regular visits to your dentist.
Here are some ways that will help you better care for your veneers.
Cleanliness is key
Whether you have veneers or none, keeping your teeth clean is non-negotiable. But once you get veneers, keeping your teeth and gums clean and healthy becomes a vital task that can help protect you against a host of dental problems.
Specifically, if you do not adhere to a regular dental hygiene plan, you risk getting gum disease. And once you have gum disease, your gums recede, and the borders of the veneers are exposed. When this happens, there is a high possibility that your veneers can chip or fall off.
Make sure you brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss your teeth regularly. Your dentist may also recommend a particular brand of toothpaste that is gentle for your teeth and veneers. Some kinds of toothpaste have harsh ingredients that can damage both your teeth and veneers.
Your teeth are for chewing and smiling
They aren’t to be used as a substitute for scissors or other tools. And if you have a habit of biting into things like pencils, pens, or even your fingernails, you have to keep that habit in check.
Biting into hard objects, even just candies, can damage your veneers, especially if they are made of porcelain.
Modify your diet
Apart from avoiding biting into hard foods, you should also minimize, if not totally avoid consumption of sugary and acidic foods. Sugars and acids can cause tooth decay and gum disease, which can adversely affect your veneers. You should also avoid, as much as possible, foods which are loaded with artificial coloring.
You also need to cut back your consumption of alcoholic beverages. The alcohol in these drinks as well as some kinds of toothpaste and mouthwashes can weaken the bond between your veneers and teeth, leading to damage and discoloration.
Keep your teeth protected
If you play sports, especially those where there is a considerable risk of contact like martial arts, hockey, or even basketball, you have to protect your teeth with a mouthguard.
Also, if you are suffering from bruxism or teeth grinding and you haven’t consulted a professional, you will need to have that issue fixed before or immediately after your veneers have been installed. Otherwise, you risk damaging your veneers. Plus, left unchecked, bruxism can lead further problems later on.
Schedule regular visits to the dentist
Although veneers are relatively easy to clean and maintain, you will still need to visit your dentist regularly. First, because he needs to check the condition of your veneers and if necessary, address any issue that may arise in between your visits. Second, he needs to check the status of your teeth and gums, and in some instance, perform teeth cleaning.
How long will your veneers last?
Veneers are made up of relatively durable materials. And with proper care, they can last for a substantial amount of time.
However, the lifespan of veneers can become shorter if you do not take care of them as well as your teeth and gums. In fact, when you succumb to gum disease and your gums recede, your teeth’s roots are exposed, and you will need new veneers to cover those exposed parts. This is because the bond between your teeth and the veneers is weakened.
In the event that your veneers fall off before your next visit to the dentist, make sure that you call his office and schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Under no circumstance should you use any adhesive in your home or from a local store.
In the meantime, stay away from temperature extremes, like cold or hot drinks and foods. When veneers come off, your teeth can become extra sensitive.
Like any other investment, you will need to put in some time and effort toward caring for your veneers before you can reap dividends over the long term.