Are you thinking about getting veneers? Or do you already have veneers and are just wondering how to properly care for them? Well, this blog post answers your questions about if veneers require special care and how to care for them properly. Keep reading!
Do veneers require special care?
Veneers don’t require care that is significantly different than how you would care for your natural teeth. And while veneers are durable, there are important steps that can help them last longer and keep your smile looking great.
Tips for good veneer maintenance
Tip #1: Brush and floss your teeth
Just like with your natural teeth, brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing your teeth once a day is key to maintaining your veneers. This is because plaque buildup can cause cavities and gum disease, both of which affect the lifespan of your veneers, and regular brushing and flossing can help prevent them.
Tip #2: Avoid chewing on hard objects
Porcelain veneers are very durable, but they can break just like natural teeth. This makes it important to avoid biting on hard objects like ice, pens, and hard can candies. Being mindful of what you chew on helps to prolong their lifespan.
Tip #3: Avoid grinding your teeth
Teeth grinding, or bruxism, can put pressure on your veneers, causing them to crack or wear down. So if you grind your teeth at night, consider consulting your dentist about wearing a night guard to protect your veneers.
Tip #4: Don’t smoke
If you want to keep your veneers in good condition, don’t smoke. Smoking, which is bad for your health in general, can also cause gum disease. In fact, smokers are twice as likely to develop gum disease than nonsmokers. And gum disease can increase the risk of failure of your veneers.
Tip #5: Food and drink that stain
Porcelain veneers are more stain-resistant than natural teeth, but stains can appear at the edges of the veneer, where your natural teeth are. This makes it important to brush or at least rinse your teeth after drinking or eating things that can stain your teeth like coffee, tea, and red wine to keep your veneers looking as good as possible for as long as possible.
Tip #6: Get regular dental check-ups
Regular dental check-ups are also crucial for keeping your veneers in top shape. While of course, your at-home dental care is important, during check-ups, your dentist can identify and address any dental problems early on. Regular dental cleanings can also help you remove built up stains, prevent cavities, and gum disease. By staying on top of your dental visits, you help ensure your veneers last longer and keep your smile looking its best.
What issues can veneers address?
If you don’t already have veneers and are just wondering if you should get them, here are some reasons why people get veneers:
- Discolored teeth: Veneers can cover teeth that are severely stained or discolored, making your smile brighter and whiter.
- Chipped or broken teeth: Veneers effectively mask any chips or breaks.
- Gaps between teeth: Veneers can close small gaps and spaces, giving you a more uniform smile.
- Worn down teeth: Veneers can cover teeth that have been worn down from grinding or other factors, restoring their original shape.
- Misaligned or uneven teeth: Veneers can correct minor misalignments and uneven teeth, creating a more symmetrical appearance.
- Small or short teeth: They can add length and size to teeth that are too small or short, enhancing your smile.
Visit Dr. Ruiz & Associates, Inc for a dentist in Burbank, CA
If you’re looking to get veneers, or just looking for a dentist in Burbank, CA who can help you care for them, visit our office!
Dr. Ruiz is a renowned dentist, educator, and researcher who is known as a pioneer in supra-gingival minimally invasive dentistry, or “above the gums dentistry.” This is a healthier form of dentistry that protects soft oral tissues and produces long-lasting, beautiful results. He has also developed a smile design technique that dentists all around the world use. Check out our Google reviews and schedule an appointment with us today!
