How To Keep From Damaging Your New Dental Veneers
If you are having dental veneers installed to improve your smile by hiding your damaged front teeth, then it is important that you understand how to maintain them. While veneers are a wonderful choice for improving your smile, it is important you know that they are not completely unbreakable or maintenance free. Just as your natural teeth are susceptible to damage, so too are the new veneers.
For the best results and longevity for your dental veneers, follow these dentist-approved tips:
Tip: Choose Porcelain Veneers Over Composite Options
While composite veneers are a less expensive choice than those made of porcelain, composite veneers are not as long-lasting and are not as color-safe. Composite veneers are cheaper, but they are also more easily damaged and many patients complain that after a few years their composite veneers yellow from the foods they have eaten. So, if you want your smile to stay white and bright, then choose porcelain veneers over cheaper composite options.
Tip: Have Your New Veneers Installed by an Experienced Cosmetic Dentist
There are specialty clinics today that specialize in installing dental veneers. However, while these clinics see a lot of patients every day, they are not always the best choice. To get the most professional fit and installation of your porcelain veneers, you should have them installed by an experienced cosmetic dentist working with a skilled lab. If you are not familiar with any of the cosmetic dentists in your area, you can ask your family's dentist for a referral to someone they trust.
Tip: Avoid Smoking and Veneer-Staining Drinks
Once your porcelain veneers have been installed, then you should avoid smoking cigarettes because the nicotine in the smoke will turn the veneers yellow just as it did with your natural teeth. Additionally, you should avoid drinking coffee, tea, and red wine because these drinks will also stain the veneers. If you must drink these dark-colored liquids, then use a straw to reduce the contact between the liquid and your veneers. It is also a good idea to avoid eating blueberries and blackberries because they can also stain your veneers.
Tip: Avoid Eating Hard Foods and Using Your Teeth as Tools
One of the biggest threats to your veneers are hard foods or using your teeth improperly as tools. Foods you should avoid with dental veneers include:
- hard or chewy bread
- carrots
- apples
- hard or chewy candy
In addition, you should avoid chewing on ice with veneers.
You should also avoid each of these veneer-damaging actions:
- opening wrappers with your teeth
- opening bottle caps with your teeth
- cutting fishing line or thread with your teeth
Finally, you should not bite your nails because it can lift off your veneers. Contact a dental office, like BayView Dental Associates , for more information.
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