Dental veneers can transform your smile by hiding unsightly stains that won’t lift with whitening treatments. You may also love how your veneers hide minor chips or reduce gaps between your teeth. Once you’ve transformed your smile with dental veneers, you can use these tips to keep your beautiful teeth bright and white for years.
Limit Stain-Causing Foods and Beverages
Modern dental materials are designed to be stain-resistant. But, veneers are susceptible to developing stains that are similar to what you see on natural tooth enamel. While it’s fine to indulge in a glass of red wine on occasion as an adult, it’s best to minimize your teeth’s exposure to stain-causing agents. Quitting smoking helps to prevent the yellowing of your veneers. If you happen to drink a dark beverage, then try to rinse your mouth with water as soon as possible afterward.
Brush and Floss Regularly
You can reduce the effects of daily wear and tear on your veneers by simply brushing your teeth and flossing like your dentist recommends. Keep in mind that you might need to use gentler toothpaste to keep your veneers clean. You can ask your dentist for their recommendations on toothbrushes and other products that won’t harm your new veneers.
Stay On Top of Routine Cleanings
During routine teeth cleanings, dental professionals can remove the tartar, plaque, and light stains that you can’t always get with a normal toothbrush. Most people need cleanings once or twice a year, and making sure to see your dental provider regularly also helps to keep your gums in good condition to support your new smile.
Wear a Mouthguard During Sports
Playing sports is a great way to stay in shape and promote proper blood flow to your teeth and gums. But, certain sports increase the risk of damage to your veneers. If you play sports that could cause objects to hit your mouth, then it’s best to wear a mouthguard. You can also ask your dentist if you need to wear a mouthguard as you sleep if you tend to grind your teeth. While nighttime teeth grinding typically impacts the molars, it could affect your front teeth if you tend to clench your jaw.
Avoid Using Your Teeth As Tools
Ripping open that bag of chips with your teeth might seem like a quick way to solve a problem, but it could lead to damage to your veneers. Ideally, you should never use your teeth to open packages or to chew on objects. Using a bottle opener can save your veneers from major chips that require treatment or replacing them completely. You can also practice good stress management techniques to reduce habits such as chewing on pens that could damage the thin veneers. Not only will this protect your teeth, but it will prevent from you swallowing small items that could be choking hazards.
As with any dental restoration, you’ll want to stay alert for signs that your veneers are damaged or developing stains. During your preventative dental care visits, your dentist can help gently scrub away stains and check for minor chips. With proper care, your new veneers can stay beautiful for a lifetime.