How to Care for Dental Veneers

A dental veneer can last for more than 20 years in many cases. However, getting the most out of your veneers requires caring for them properly. In this review, we discuss tips to ensure that your dental veneers last for well beyond a decade without needing any major restorations or replacements.

9 tips to protect your dental veneers in the long term

In many ways, caring for dental veneers is not different from caring for natural teeth. The goal is to protect the teeth from damage and maintain optimal periodontal health so they have adequate support. Here are nine tips that should help patients keep a healthy smile for years, if not decades.

Brush consistently

First and foremost, patients with dental veneers should ensure that they brush several times a day. It is best to use a soft-bristle toothbrush, as they are not abrasive and are better for the gums and surfaces of veneers. Be sure to brush for two minutes total, focusing for 30 seconds on each quadrant of the mouth. Brush the gums gently, so as to not cause irritation.

Floss daily

Floss is essential for patients with veneers, as it helps prevent cavities on the natural surfaces of teeth. Perhaps more importantly, flossing also helps protect periodontal health, reducing the risk of gingivitis, periodontitis, and other periodontal health concerns that could otherwise jeopardize the condition of teeth with veneers.

Use mouthwash as recommended

For many patients, dentists recommend using mouthwash once per day, as it helps kill and remove bacteria and reduces the risk of periodontal disease and other oral health concerns. However, dentists may not recommend the daily use of mouthwash for all patients. In some cases, dentists recommend using it only several times a week at most to ensure that the patient is not killing too much healthy bacteria in the mouth. Also, some dentists may prescribe a certain type of mouthwash that works best for the patient.

Limit the consumption of sugar (and other carbohydrates)

Many are familiar with the harm that sugar and other carbs can do to the natural surfaces of teeth (enamel). However, it is also important for patients to limit the consumption of sugar when they have veneers. This will help protect periodontal health and reduce the risk of damage to the porcelain material or the underlying surfaces of the teeth beneath the veneers.

Avoid chewing ice and other hard substances

Ice has the power to chip and crack a dental veneer and teeth enamel. It is important to avoid biting down on ice and other hard substances (hard candies, etc.).

Visit the dentist for regular check-up and cleaning visits

Regular check-up visits are important for everyone to ensure there are no developing oral health concerns that need to be addressed. During a regular check-up visit, dental cleanings are also performed. This involves removing plaque and tartar that could otherwise harm the patient’s teeth, veneers, and periodontal health. Visits to the dentist to maintain optimal health and good-looking veneers are recommended every four to six months.

Wear a mouthguard if you have bruxism

Bruxism, also known as nighttime teeth grinding, is one of the leading causes of dental veneer damage. Many who struggle with bruxism do not realize that they are grinding their teeth, since it happens while they are asleep. Ask the dentist to check for signs of bruxism. If any are noticed, it may be necessary for the patient to wear a nightguard to protect their veneers and oral health overall.

Protect your periodontal health

The gums and jawbone support the teeth, keeping them strong and securely in position. Additionally, the condition of the gums can directly impact the quality of the patient's veneers. For these reasons, it is imperative to protect periodontal health. Be sure to brush the gums (gently) each day, use mouthwash as directed, and floss often.

Be careful and avoid dental trauma

Dental trauma is not always avoidable, but there are instances where a patient can exercise more caution and reduce the risk of a blow to the mouth that damages their veneers. For example, if they are playing a recreational sport (like basketball), they should wear a mouthguard to reduce the risk of a chipped or cracked veneer.

Considering veneers? Contact our dental office today

We help patients achieve their ideal smile through cosmetic procedures. We offer dental veneers treatment and can help you decide if it is the right solution for you, along with protecting your smile for the long term if you choose dental veneers. Contact us today for more information and to schedule a visit.

Request an appointment here: https://ericlarsondds.com or call Eric A. Larson DDS at (801) 871-8983 for an appointment in our Salt Lake City office.

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