If your teeth have significant staining to the point where conventional whitening treatments just don’t work anymore, you may be a good candidate for dental veneers. Dental veneers cover the front of your teeth and are designed to cover up a variety of cosmetic issues such as staining, chipping, and gaps between the teeth. Veneers also provide functionality by improving your ability to chew your food and protect the teeth they cover from further damage. Here’s what you need to know about caring for your dental veneers:
Oral Hygiene Matters
Some people believe that it isn’t necessary to practice good dental hygiene once their dental veneers are put into place, but this approach only leads to further dental health issues down the road. You’ll still need to brush and floss at least twice per day as well as pay regular visits to your dentist for examinations and cleanings. Your dentist will probably recommend using toothpaste and floss specifically formulated for dental veneers. Failure to practice proper dental hygiene may result in bacteria buildup around the gum line, which can lead to gum disease.
Foods and Beverages
For the most part, you’ll be able to enjoy the same foods and beverages that you did before. However, it’s important to remember not to bite down on hard foods such as dense candy and nuts. Even though veneers are made from tough materials such as porcelain and composite resin, they are still vulnerable to chipping — and keep in mind that there are still natural teeth underneath them that could be damaged if you bite down too hard. It’s also a good idea to break habits such as chewing on your nails or pencils.
With proper care, dental veneers can last throughout the rest of your lifetime. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Evanko Dental Group of Medina if you’ve got questions about veneers or other dental issues or want to schedule a consultation with our skilled staff.