Once you get your veneers bonded on, you will be able to show off a refreshed smile you feel confident in. You should enjoy your results after all, but it’s important you protect your investment. By taking great care of them, you can help them last for up to 15 years or longer. Getting to this lifespan can be as easy as following the right tips, so here are four that you should add to your routine.
1.) Maintain Your Oral Hygiene
Your veneers are made from high-quality materials, typically porcelain. While it can’t get cavities, the teeth supporting them can still be attacked by plaque in your mouth. You must preserve these structures by brushing twice every day. However, you want to make sure you don’t do it too aggressively and use a non-abrasive, fluoride toothpaste.
Don’t forget to floss as well to get rid of bacteria between your teeth. Do this once daily before bed to support your smile for the long run.
2.) Break Bad Dental Habits
You might have several habits you do that can damage your grin if you aren’t careful. Using your teeth as tools, biting your nails or ice, and using tobacco can lead to a wide range of problems. You may increase your risk of chips, cracks, stains, and oral health issues by doing them, so try your best to break them with alternatives like a stress ball or fidget toy.
3.) Watch What You’re Eating
As was mentioned above, veneers can last for 15 years or longer, but what you eat comes into play as well. While the porcelain shells are durable, hard items, like some candies and popcorn kernels, can lead to damage if you aren’t careful. Your results are also resistant to staining, but coffee, wine, berries, and other dark-colored items can spell trouble if you overindulge. To help reduce your odds of discoloration, simply rinse with water after enjoying them.
4.) Have Consistent Visits with Your Dentist
While everything above is great to do at home, you should also be visiting your dentist for checkups and cleanings. They will be able to see the state of your veneers and make sure they are in great condition. You can also get more personalized advice about your oral hygiene; that way, you know exactly what you need to do to enjoy your aesthetic results for years to come.
About the Author
Dr. Robert A. Whitmore earned his dental degree from the Baylor School of Dentistry. He is dedicated to helping the Arlington community get the smiles they feel confident in with reliable cosmetic services like veneers. By customizing them to your goals, you can trust that you get a gorgeous grin you love. If you want to know how you can take good care of your treatment, schedule an appointment or call Dr. Whitmore’s office at (817) 468-1212.