Do you have, or are you considering, dental veneers?
As an alternative to whitening, veneers offer a great way to improve the look of your smile. Not only can they hide discolouration, but veneers mask other imperfections like chipping and unevenness as well. Porcelain veneers have the added advantage of being considerably resistant to future staining.
However, just because you've got your smile covered, doesn't mean you can neglect caring for your teeth. There are a number of things that must be done to ensure the longevity of your porcelain veneers.
1. Maintain a regular dental hygiene program
Just like your natural teeth, your veneers are susceptible to the buildup of plaque and tartar. Tartar often appears yellow or brown, and its hard texture can irritate the surrounding gums and contribute to gingivitis.
To avoid harmful accumulation of plaque, simply maintain a regular and complete dental regime. This means you need to brush twice a day, floss after meals and rinse your teeth regularly.
2. Visit your dentist for cleanings
When tartar does occur, only your dentist can remove it. Book in for a dental cleaning to have excess plaque and tartar scraped from your veneers. They can also be polished to remove any unlikely staining that should appear.
3. Avoid chewing on inedible things
Talk to your dentist if you're experiencing bruxism.
If you've had veneers equipped and have a habit of gnawing on your pens or chewing down your fingernails, it might be time to go cold turkey on these practices. Though your veneers are extremely durable, continuous friction in the same spots can still wear them down over time.
The same can occur if you're grinding your teeth in your sleep. Not only can grinding (bruxism) cause a lot of pain, you might be slowly filing down your veneers. Talk to your dentist if you're experiencing bruxism – they can help find the root of the problem or equip you with a mouthguard to discourage further grinding.
4. Avoid staining substances
While your veneers are more resistant to staining than your natural teeth, they aren't impervious. In particular, cigarettes still present a major risk for discolouration. Even if the veneer itself does not stain, nicotine could discolour the adhesive used to install the veneers, leading to yellow edges.
There are many ways to achieve the perfect smile with the help of cosmetic dentistry. To discuss veneers or any other options for re-imagining your smile, book an appointment with City Dentists today.