Veneers are thin, customized shells bonded to the surface of your teeth to provide a durable covering for stained or chipped teeth. It is the best solution to fix misaligned or injured teeth that adversely affect your smile. If you take proper care of veneers, you can maintain a flawless smile for years. This article will tell you more about veneers and how to care for them.
What Are Veneers?
Veneers are a highly recommended solution for stained, cracked or misaligned teeth. Thin shells made of porcelain or composite resin are attached to the front of your teeth. Your dentist will make them according to your mouth structure to ensure they fit perfectly on your teeth.
People often confuse veneers with bonding, but that’s not correct. Veneers don’t crack or stain, as opposed to bonding. Besides, the best part is that veneers look and feel like natural teeth.
Caring for Veneer Teeth
Here are some tips to take good care of your dental veneers. Follow the below-listed tips to ensure that your veneers last for many years for a perfect smile.
Brush Twice Daily – Whether you have veneer teeth or natural, everyone must brush twice daily for two minutes at least. Brushing for two whole minutes allows you to reach all your teeth and remove any plaque or germs that may be accumulating on your teeth. People who brush in a hurry run a high risk of developing cavities.
Use the Right Toothpaste – Choose your toothpaste wisely. Your toothpaste should contain fluoride to help clean your veneers well. You should avoid toothpaste containing abrasive ingredients that can harm your veneer teeth. For example, toothpaste tubes containing hydrogen peroxide, sodium bicarbonate or baking soda should be avoided.
Avoid the Grind – Some people naturally clench or grind their teeth when they sleep. Grinding your teeth is unsuitable for veneer teeth, as it may stress them and your natural teeth. It is also unhealthy for your jaw joints and bones. Talk to your dentist if you have the habit of grinding your teeth and cannot stop on your own.
Limit Sweets – Like natural teeth, sugar is a bane for veneer teeth. If you consume too many sweets, your teeth may be fuzzy or rough on the surface. It could be a plaque build-up that generates cavity-causing acids. Avoid flavoured yoghurts, sports drinks, and candies.
Chew Wisely – Teeth after veneers are tough but not invincible. You can eat almost everything with veneer teeth but it is essential to be careful. If you have a habit of cracking open bottle caps with your teeth or chewing ice or popcorn kernels, you may damage your veneers. Avoid hard-to-chew foods, and don’t use your teeth as tools; your veneers will be strong for years.
Avoid Alcohol – Veneers are attached to your teeth with a bonding composite. Consuming excessive alcohol can soften the bonding. Although a softened composite doesn’t mean your veneers will fall off, a loose bonding makes veneers vulnerable to damage, deterioration, and stains.
Beware of Stains – Like your natural teeth, it is possible to stain your veneers if you are not careful. Even though veneers are stain-resistant, they can show wear and tear if constantly exposed to staining agents over many years. Limit your consumption of foods like red wine, tea, coffee, coloured sodas, soy sauce, and berries. Smoking is also a prominent reason for teeth staining. If you smoke, consider quitting. It will help improve your overall health and help you care for your veneer teeth better.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly – Routine dental check-ups are suitable for everyone. Roughly once in six months, you should visit a dentist to ensure that any problems are quickly spotted and treated immediately. If you have veneer teeth, your dental hygienist will use professional equipment to polish your veneers and preserve their pearly-white shine.
Taking care of veneer teeth is all about maintaining good oral hygiene daily. Developing habits like brushing for two minutes twice daily and avoiding alcohol, smoking, and sugary foods are essential to good oral health. Follow the tips listed above, and you will have a flawless smile for years to come.
Author Bio
Shen Chao is part of Dr Joshua Hong’s Smile Clinic. While working for the Smile Clinic, he’s gained first-hand experience with the questions and concerns that dental patients have. He has been writing to inform people about various dental topics to help his readers improve their oral health. When he’s not working, you can find him on a hiking trail with his dog or having a Sunday cook-out with friends.