At Gables iSmile and Miami iSmile, we are committed to helping our patients enjoy the long-lasting benefits of their dental veneers. Understanding and implementing proper maintenance and care is essential to ensure your veneers stay in pristine condition.
Here, we share some key tips to help you protect and prolong the life of your dental veneers. For further information, call Gables iSmile at (305) 396-1026. Let us take care of that beautiful smile!
1. Regular Oral Hygiene
- Maintaining regular oral hygiene is vital to the longevity of your veneers. Although veneers cannot decay, the tooth underneath can, making regular cleaning essential.
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day. It's also essential to floss daily, which helps remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth and along the gum line, preventing gum disease.
- Additionally, rinsing with alcohol-free mouthwash can further promote oral health and prolong the lifespan of your veneers.
2. Use Non-Abrasive Toothpaste
- Abrasive toothpaste can scratch the surface of your veneers over time, dulling their shine. Choose a non-abrasive toothpaste to keep your veneers looking their best.
3. Avoid Hard or Chewy Foods
- While dental veneers are durable, they aren't indestructible. To prevent potential damage, it's advisable to avoid hard or chewy foods.
- Hard foods like ice, hard candies, popcorn kernels, or even very crunchy fruits and vegetables could chip or break your veneers.
- Chewy foods such as certain candies, caramel, or gummy bears may also pose a risk as they could potentially pull at and dislodge the veneers. Even though veneers are bonded very securely to your teeth, they can't entirely replicate the strength and durability of natural tooth enamel, so treating them with care will extend their lifespan.
4. Avoid Staining Substances
- Even though dental veneers are more resistant to stains than natural teeth, it's still a good idea to avoid or limit the consumption of substances that could cause staining over time. This includes beverages like coffee, tea, red wine, and dark-colored sodas.
- Smoking tobacco or using other tobacco products can also stain veneers. Certain foods like berries, soy sauce, and tomato sauce could potentially cause discoloration as well.
- If you do consume these foods or beverages, rinsing your mouth or brushing your teeth afterward can help minimize potential staining. Regular professional cleanings can also help maintain the brightness of your veneers.
- It's worth noting that porcelain veneers resist staining better than composite resin veneers, but the adhesive used to bond them to your teeth may discolor over time
5. Regular Dental Check-ups
- Regular visits to Gables iSmile or Miami iSmile will allow our dental professionals to check the condition of your veneers and perform professional cleanings. We recommend scheduling check-ups every six months to ensure your veneers and overall oral health are in optimal condition.
6. Prevent Gum Disease
- Gum disease causes inflamed and receding gums. Practice good oral hygiene as discussed and schedule regular dental checkups and professional cleanings to ensure any early signs of gum disease are detected and treated promptly.
- Other lifestyle factors, such as maintaining a balanced diet, quitting smoking, and managing stress, also play an essential role in preventing gum disease.
7. Use a Night Guard
- If you grind or clench your teeth at night, a custom-made night guard can protect your veneers from unnecessary wear and tear.
8. Quit Smoking
- It's widely understood that smoking is an unhealthy habit, and it's equally harmful to your veneers. As discussed, tobacco use can lead to staining and discoloration of your veneers. To maintain their optimal appearance, it's crucial to avoid smoking.
Taking proper care of your dental veneers is vital for their longevity and your ongoing oral health. At Gables iSmile and Miami iSmile, we are here to guide you on every step of your journey to a beautiful smile, including providing personalized advice and support for veneer maintenance.
If you have any questions or concerns, or if you would like to schedule a check-up, don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team today. Your radiant, confident smile is our greatest success!
Miami iSmile
- 11500 NW 7th Street Miami, FL 33168
- (786) 705-3332
Lauderdale iSmile
- 2412 N State Rd 7, Lauderdale Lakes, FL 33313
- (954) 585-9992
