One of the first things that others notice about you is the quality of your smile, and it’s only natural to want to make a positive first impression. Unfortunately, you might be remembered for the wrong reasons if your grin is riddled with imperfections.
Your dentist can enhance your appearance by fitting you with veneers designed to match the shape, shade, and size of your teeth. These are then bonded to their front surfaces to hide unsightly blemishes. They can last 20+ years, making them an excellent long-term solution, but only if you care for them correctly. Keep reading to learn about 3 ways you can help keep them in excellent condition!
Tip #1: Watch What You Eat
These restorations are typically made from resilient materials like durable porcelain or composite resin that can be customized to look as lifelike as possible. Then, they’re coated with a glaze strong enough to resist a certain amount of damage and discoloration, but that doesn’t mean they’re invincible.
If you eat overly hard foods like ice, nuts, or hard candies, you can chip or crack them, and sticky options might yank them out of place. Not only that, but they won’t stain as quickly as your natural teeth, so you may want to avoid darkly pigmented options like tea, coffee, wine, or berries that can tint your grin at different rates.
Tip #2: Avoid Grinding
Many people suffer from bruxism, or chronic teeth grinding, which often occurs subconsciously while they sleep at night. If you frequently or constantly clench your teeth together, you’re putting added pressure on your veneers that they weren’t intended to withstand. Furthermore, you could wear down your enamel, which could cause your prosthetics to fall off.
Ask your dentist about a custom-fitted nightguard to place over your pearly whites at bedtime to shield your smile overnight. That way, you can rest easily knowing that your recently upgraded grin is protected.
Tip #3: Implement a Routine
If you don’t already have a consistent daily dental hygiene regimen in place at home, now is the perfect time to start one! Brushing and flossing twice daily regularly removes plaque buildup and bacteria that contribute to oral issues like tooth decay and gum disease, which can interfere with your veneers. Consistent cleansing prevents eroded enamel or retracted gums from periodontal problems that can leave your restorations without a firm enough foundation to remain in place.
Also, visiting your dentist for a routine checkup and cleaning every six months allows them to monitor your dental condition to spot and address any areas of concern, like damaged veneers, before they worsen!
About the Author
Dr. Robert A. Camenzuli enjoys getting to know his patients so he can tailor services to meet their unique dental needs. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the Louisiana State University School of Dentistry and is a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, so you can trust that your smile is in good hands. He offers a full array of services at one convenient location to streamline your experience, whether you need basic preventative care or a cosmetic service, like veneers. If you want to upgrade your appearance, you can request a consultation on the website or call (504) 895-3400.