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Front teeth veneers are an easy way to get that radiant Hollywood smile you have always dreamed of, but they can fail if they are not given proper care. Taking steps to preserve your veneers will allow you to enjoy their many benefits for as long as possible. Follow the tips below to get started.

Tips to Care for Dental Veneers

Brush Your Teeth Regularly

Just like natural teeth, dental veneers need regular brushing to stay in good condition. Brush your teeth twice a day, spending at least two full minutes on the task each time. This will ensure that the margins of your veneers stay clean and that the gums around them do not become diseased.

Use Non-Abrasive Toothpaste

Abrasive toothpaste contains tiny particles that can scratch the surface of your veneers, causing them to become dull and stained. Look for toothpaste that does not feel gritty and contains no baking soda or hydrogen peroxide. If you are not sure if a particular toothpaste is too abrasive, ask your dentist for advice.

Avoid Hard Candy & Other Hard Foods

Veneers may be strong, but repeated contact with hard foods or objects can still damage them. Minimize the number of hard foods you eat with your veneers on. If you want to eat something like an apple or carrots, cut them up first. Do not chew on pens or pencils or use your teeth to open things while wearing veneers.

Eating hard candy regularly also increases your risk of developing tooth decay, a problem which may cause your veneers to fail. Avoid eating candy and other high-carbohydrate foods after getting veneers to help them last as long as possible.

Avoid Tobacco Products

Tobacco products pose a double threat to veneers. Not only can they stain veneers so badly that they may need to be replaced, but they also significantly increase your risk of gum disease. Do not smoke or chew tobacco after getting your veneers and avoid exposure to second-hand smoke when you can.

Visit Your Dentist Regularly

Your dentist is your number-one ally when it comes to your oral health. Visit your dentist at least once every six months for a cleaning and check-up. During these check-ups, your dentist will examine the state of your veneers and let you know if they spot any signs of damage or any oral health problems that could impact your veneers.

Avoid Grinding During the Day

Bruxism (also known as teeth grinding) is an unconscious habit that many people engage in when they feel stressed or overwhelmed. Unfortunately, the pressure that bruxism puts on your teeth can shatter your veneers. If you grind your teeth, do your best to relax and stop doing it when you notice it.

Invest in a Nightguard If You Grind Your Teeth

Some people who grind their teeth do it at night without realizing it. If your dentist tells you that you grind in your sleep, you will need to wear a nightguard to bed to protect your veneers. Be sure to get a custom one made in a dental lab instead of a generic over-the-counter version. Custom nightguards not only provide better protection but are also much more comfortable to sleep with.

Protect Your Smile

Contact sports like football, rugby, and boxing all carry a high risk of dental injuries. Wear a mouthguard when engaging in these sports to protect your teeth and veneers while you enjoy the game. This safety equipment does not eliminate the chance of injury, but it should be enough to shield your teeth from most impacts.

Beware of Stains

Just like natural teeth, porcelain veneers can develop stains when exposed to dark-coloured food and drinks like blackberries, wine, coffee, tea, and tomato sauce. Avoid consuming these items as much as possible to preserve the attractive white colouring of your veneers. If you drink any dark liquids, use a straw to minimize their contact with your teeth.

Get Specialized Dental Veneer Care with Us

Your dental veneers are an investment in your self-confidence and well-being. Protect that investment with specialized care for dental veneers from Trillium Smile Dentistry. Our patients love the veneers we have installed for them and know they can always count on us to keep them in peak condition. Contact us today, and our team will be happy to answer all your questions about dental veneers cost, materials, and more.