Extending the Longevity of Your Veneers

Getting veneers is a big decision. Veneers can have a transformative effect on your smile, boosting your self-confidence and helping you make a great first impression. With proper care, your veneers could last for decades, so it’s essential to develop good oral care habits right from the start. Let’s take a look at the best techniques for extending the longevity of your veneers.

Daily Brushing and Flossing

The basics of caring for your veneers are the same as taking care of your natural teeth. Brush twice a day and floss once a day to remove plaque and food debris. Using mouthwash can also be a good way to remove bacteria from hard-to-reach areas.

Because your veneers are made out of different materials than your natural teeth, sometimes porcelain, sometimes composite material, patients sometimes think that they no longer need to brush them. In fact, it’s more important than ever to brush, because fixes to your veneers can be inconvenient and expensive. Prevent problems before they start by simply brushing and flossing.

Avoid Chewing on Hard Objects

This advice applies to your natural teeth too. Even though enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, it can be worn down over time if you keep chewing on hard objects such as:

• Hard candies
• Ice
• Your fingernails
• Pencils
• Nuts

You should also avoid using your teeth to perform tasks such as ripping open bags or opening bottles. Spare your teeth and veneers from wear by letting your hands and tools do the work they were made for.

Chewing on hard objects can lead to veneers chipping or cracking, and since there’s nothing you can do at home to fix veneers, this will mean another trip to the dentist. Stick to softer foods so you can preserve your veneers as long as possible.

Visit Your Cosmetic Dentist Regularly

Get in a rhythm of visiting your dentist for regular checkups twice a year. That way, your dentist will be able to spot small problems and help you course correct before they turn into big ones. For example, if your dentist discovers that your veneers are looking worn, you can identify the factors that are wearing them out so you can make adjustments before that worn patch turns into a crack.

Extending the longevity of your veneers requires maintaining vigilance and practicing great oral care habits every day. Fortunately, all of this is in your control. With the right routine and by exercising caution, you can take great care of your veneers so that they’ll last for decades.

For more information on veneer care, visit Lotus Family Dental. Whether you got your veneers from us or a different practice, we can assess the state of your veneers and give you advice for how best to take care of them. Schedule an appointment today and join our family of patients. We serve patients across the Los Angeles metro area, including Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, the San Fernando Valley, and surrounding cities.