If you’re considering dental veneers to improve the look of your smile, you’re in good company. Veneers are one of the most popular procedures done in dentistry today. Dental veneers are thin, translucent pieces of porcelain that are bonded to the front of your teeth in order to fix a number of imperfections like damaged, discolored, or uneven teeth. But once you have them, how do you keep them looking their best? Here are some tips:
- Practice Good Oral Hygiene: This one is a no-brainer since it is the foundation of maintaining your oral health. You should be brushing twice a day and flossing daily anyway, but it’s even more important when you have veneers. Practicing good oral hygiene reduces the amount of plaque on the surface of your teeth. Not only can plaque lead to tooth decay and gum disease, but it can also collect colored pigments and make your veneers appear stained.
- Schedule Regular Teeth Cleanings: Even if you’re religious about your at-home oral care routine, you should still be getting your teeth professionally cleaned at least twice a year. During these cleanings, your dentist will remove any plaque or tartar that has built up on your teeth- including areas that you may have missed with your toothbrush. Professional cleanings are especially important because tartar is hardened plaque that can only be removed by your dentist with special tools.
- Minimize Drinking Certain Beverages: coffee, tea, dark sodas, and red wine are all notorious for staining teeth. If you can’t give them up entirely, try to limit your consumption or at least brush your teeth afterwards. It is also recommended to drink using a straw since this prevents you from bathing your teeth in these colored beverages. Rinsing your mouth with water afterwards can also minimize staining.
- Use a Soft Bristled Toothbrush: brushing too hard can damage your gums and tooth enamel- which isn’t good for anyone. But it’s especially important to be gentle if you have veneers since brushing too hard or using hard bristles can scratch the porcelain and lead to staining. A soft bristled toothbrush will be gentle enough to clean your teeth without damaging them. You should also use a nonabrasive toothpaste.
- Wear a Night guard: if you have a habit of grinding your teeth at night, it’s important to wear a night guard. A night guard is a dental appliance designed to fit over the top of your teeth. Not only can this help protect your veneers from being scratched or chipped, but it can also help protect your natural teeth from being damaged. Additionally, night guards also minimize stress on the jaw joint.
By following these simple tips, you can keep your veneers looking their best for years to come! Schedule an appointment with our office today to learn more about how we can help you achieve and maintain a beautiful smile.
Dr. Admar holds dual certificates — a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) in 2010 from India and a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) in 2014 from Canada. He is now a full time practicing dentist in Kamloops where he provides a variety of services, including emergency dentistry. Dr. Admar spends hundreds of hours in continued dental education to stay up to date in cosmetic and implant dentistry and he has achieved several advanced qualifications.
