How to Care for Your Veneers

Porcelain veneers can offer a long-lasting solution to cosmetic defects in your smile. These cosmetic problems can range between discoloration, chipped or cracked teeth, gaps between teeth, or unusually worn-down teeth. Veneers provide a beautiful and natural appearance and are perfectly fitted to your natural teeth so that they do not shift around. However, veneers are not indestructible and can be damaged or discolored over time. Once they have been damaged enough, you will need to replace them which can be a costly process.

Luckily, at Rafi Dental Group in Tustin, our expert dentists and staff can provide you with tips and tricks for how to make your veneers last as long as possible. We not only provide top-quality dental services, but we value educating our patients on proper dental care as well.

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PROPER DENTAL CARE

The number one tip for caring for your veneers is to practice good dental hygiene. This may seem obvious, but some people might not realize that veneers require the same care as your natural teeth. This means that you need to practice good daily habits. Proper care for your veneers includes brushing twice a day and flossing daily. You should also continue visiting your dentist twice a year for cleanings and exams. That way, both your veneers and your natural teeth will be well-maintained. The more effort you put into your daily dental hygiene, the better off your veneers will be in the future.

PROTECT YOUR VENEERS

An additional measure you can take to prolonging the life of your veneers is to protect them from damage. Although veneers are made of durable material, they can chip and crack just like regular teeth. Sometimes, this damage is caused by certain habits. Some people find that wearing a bite guard at night can help with this. If you find yourself clenching or grinding your teeth at night, a bite guard can help to protect your veneers from this unconscious habit. Several other “bad” habits should be avoided when you have veneers. This includes nail-biting, chewing ice, opening things with your teeth, or generally using your teeth as tools. These may seem like inconsequential habits normally, but they are not worth potentially damaging your veneers.

FOODS TO AVOID

Similarly, avoiding certain foods can also help to protect your veneers from unnecessary damage. Although veneers are made to be relatively durable and long-lasting, biting down on certain foods the wrong way can cause damage. As a general rule, you should avoid foods that are overly sticky or hard, as these could cause chips or damage to the veneer or bonding. Common foods to avoid include ice, hard nuts, hard candy, sticky candy such as caramel, popcorn, and other similar foods. Although veneers are more stain-resistant than real teeth, it is also a good idea to avoid food and drink that cause staining as well as smoking. This may seem like a burden, but can be a small sacrifice if it helps to keep your veneers safe for years to come.

PROLONG THE LIFE OF YOUR VENEERS

Overall, these steps are meant to prolong the life of your veneers. The most common purpose of veneers is to improve the cosmetic appearance of your smile. Additionally, veneers cost time, effort, and money to install. Therefore, it is important to take measures that will keep your veneers in optimal aesthetic condition, and save you money in the long run. Veneers can last anywhere from 10 to 30 years, and are guaranteed to last longer if you take good care of them than if you do not. By caring for your veneers, you can take full advantage of their ability to improve your smile cosmetically.

CONTACT RAFI DENTAL GROUP TODAY

If you are contemplating getting veneers, it is important to learn how to take care of them so that they last as long as possible. Fortunately, at Rafi Dental Group in Tustin, our dentists and expert staff are happy to take the time to educate patients on proper veneer and dental care. Simple but effective steps can be taken to prolong the life of your high-quality veneers from our dental office. If you have any additional questions or would like to schedule a consultation for veneers, don’t hesitate to contact Rafi Dental Group today. We look forward to hearing from you!