Dental veneers give patients an opportunity to refresh their looks, improving the appearance of their front teeth with a simple non-invasive procedure. These thin shells of porcelain and composite can certainly last a lifetime, but they are just as prone to damage as your natural teeth. It’s important to keep them as safe and healthy as possible to ensure they remain functional and good-looking forever. Today, your trusted dentist near you in Irvine will explain how to avoid damaging dental veneers through a series of regular dental hygiene practices.
How to Avoid Damaging Dental Veneers
Focus on Daily Dental Care
Children are taught the importance of oral healthcare at a very early age, so it is likely that you have established a daily brushing routine. Make sure you are brushing and flossing your teeth every day, focusing especially on cleaning your teeth after you’ve had a meal. Your veneers need to be brushed as well, so it’s a good idea to start thinking of them as part of your natural teeth.
Curb Your Tooth Grinding Habit
Tooth grinding, otherwise known as bruxism, is a habit that can cause a lot of dental damage over time. Whether you are conscious of this habit or not, you might be grinding your teeth every day – or every night. Eventually, this can cause teeth to crack, break, and even fall out. Your veneers are not immune to the dangers of tooth grinding, so make sure to check in with a bruxism specialist if you are affected by this habit.
Don’t Eat Tooth-Staining Foods
There are plenty of tasty things in the world, but not every delicious treat is good for your teeth. Unfortunately, hard or crunchy foods can severely damage your veneers. Hard candy, crunchy granola bars, and even ice cubes can do a number on both your real teeth and your recent cosmetic dentistry work.
The list of foods and drinks that stain teeth is quite long, but a general rule of thumb is to stay away from dark or acidic items. Things like red wine and chocolate are bound to stain your veneers quickly. You cannot treat veneer discoloration with teeth whitening, so it is a good idea to avoid any spots on your veneers for as long as you can.
Get Yourself a Better Toothbrush
The tools you’re using at home might not be up to snuff. If you want to protect your veneers for the long haul, you will need the right toothbrush and toothpaste by your side. Make sure your brushes don’t have bristles that are too hard, or else you can damage the front of the veneer. By scrubbing too hard, you are essentially scraping it all away. Your veneers have likely come with a nice polish, so you will want to use a soft-bristled brush to keep them clean.
Additionally, toothpaste with fluoride can help keep your teeth pearly white while rebuilding your natural enamel. The next time you visit your dentist, be sure to ask about the most popular toothbrush and toothpaste recommendations.
Achieve the Smile of Your Dreams with Veneers Today!
Do your teeth have chips or cracks? Are you struggling with deep discoloration that won’t go away with a simple whitening procedure? You may be a good candidate for porcelain veneers near you in Irvine. The procedure is incredibly simple and pain-free: using thin shells shaped to your teeth, the dentist will use dental bonding to apply the veneers. In minutes, you will enjoy a new facade for your front teeth that is sure to boost your confidence and encourage you to make healthy dental hygiene goals. You don’t need to wait to take care of your teeth; get in touch with us today to schedule your first cosmetic dentistry appointment!