Interested in transforming your smile with veneers but curious how you can maintain their pearly glow? The good news is that taking care of veneers is simple and straightforward. Dr. Lovely Manlapaz Teodoro, an expert when it comes to custom designing veneers, wants to help you take care of your new smile.
Here are four tips to protect your porcelain veneers.
Although your porcelain veneers can’t get cavities, the natural enamel under your veneers is still susceptible to decay. To prevent tooth decay, brush your teeth for a full two minutes at least twice a day with a soft-bristled brush. Avoid using a hard-bristled brush or an abrasive toothpaste as these can damage the porcelain of your veneers.
Whitening toothpastes, especially those that can contain baking soda, tend to be more abrasive. If you need help choosing a good toothpaste, don’t hesitate to ask. We’d be happy to suggest toothpaste and brush types to help you reach your oral health goals.
In addition to brushing, it’s important to floss daily. Flossing removes plaque from between your teeth, where brushing alone can’t reach. This helps reduce your risk of interproximal cavities δΈ€ cavities that form between two teeth.
Once brushing and flossing are complete, finish your oral care routine with a mouthwash. This helps remove decay-causing bacteria from your mouth. Plus, it freshens your breath!
Although it’s tempting to use your teeth to pry open packages, refrain from using your teeth as tools. This can damage your veneers and increase the risk of chipping or cracking your tooth. It’s also important to avoid chewing on nonfood items, including ice, pens, and your nails.
Bruxism happens when you clench your jaw and grind your teeth unconsciously. It can happen while you’re awake or when you’re sleeping, but regardless of when it happens, it’s a major risk factor for cracked, chipped, and broken teeth. Clenching your jaw puts too much pressure on your teeth, and that means it can also harm your veneers.
To protect your veneers, it’s a good idea to treat bruxism as soon as you’re aware of it. For sleep bruxism, you can wear a special mouthguard to prevent yourself from grinding your teeth while you sleep. Wearing the night guard helps protect your teeth, your veneers, and helps you avoid the complications of untreated bruxism, such as jaw pain.
Finally, but certainly not least, scheduling regular dental exams is a great way to protect your porcelain veneers. Routine dental exams every six months help protect both your teeth and your veneers by ensuring that any potential problems are identified and addressed before they spiral into bigger problems. In addition, Dr. Teodoro polishes your veneers and preserves their pearly-white gleam.
Questions about your veneers? If you have concerns about your veneers or would like to explore the possibility of getting veneers, book your teeth whitening consultation today and find out which teeth whitening treatment is right for you.
