Are you thinking of getting veneers? Veneers are made from porcelain. They are a popular dental treatment that recreates the look of natural teeth. Because they are made from porcelain, they’re strong and able to hold up against everyday wear and tear. With proper care, well-made veneers can last between 10 and 15 years. Proper care includes cleaning and brushing the veneers regularly, keeping them polished, avoiding difficult to chew foods and substances that might cause stains. By following these simple steps, you can ensure your veneers stay comfortable and natural-looking for years.
Don’t Grind Your Teeth
Grinding your teeth is never a good habit, even if you don’t have veneers. When you have veneers, though, grinding your teeth can cause expensive damage. Additionally, because teeth grinding involves clenching your teeth repeatedly, it may damage your jaw joint and natural teeth. Excessive grinding can wear the veneers down and may even cause jaw pain and headaches. Fortunately, there are treatment options available to help lessen the effects of grinding, such as wearing a mouthguard at night.
Be Careful What You Chew On
Similar to braces and dentures, care should be taken when chewing food with veneers. For example, if you frequently chew your nails or chew on other items, you run the risk of damaging your veneers. That said, it’s important to try and break these types of habits if you plan to get veneers.
Don’t Forget To Polish Your Veneers
Polishing veneers not only helps them look good, but it may help keep them in good working order for years on end. Typically, veneers should be polished every three months. During the polishing process, dentists use specialized equipment and solutions to thoroughly clean your natural teeth and veneers. However, polishing isn’t meant to be a replacement for regular brushing and flossing. In fact, flossing and brushing every day will allow you to go longer between polishing sessions.
Keep Your Veneers Safe
Whether you’re an avid rugby player or enjoy other types of contact sports, you should always try to protect your veneers from damage. A simple solution is to wear a mouthguard. Taking proactive steps to keep your veneers safe will ensure you will be able to enjoy them for many years with fewer repairs needed.
Be Mindful Of Stain-Causing Foods And Drinks
While porcelain is designed to ward off stains, the same cannot be said for your natural teeth. Because of that, it’s important to brush frequently and limit certain foods and drinks to keep your smile bright. For example, foods and beverages, such as coffee, red wine, berries, tea, and soda, are more likely to cause stains on natural teeth than other foods and drinks. If you choose to have one of these, make sure to thoroughly brush your teeth to protect against stains.
These are just a few tips and tricks to help you care for your veneers. Are you interested in learning more about veneers? Contact Jupiter Dentistry in Jupiter, Florida, today to schedule a consultation.