One of the factors that makes veneers such a great choice for cosmetic dentistry is their durability. In many cases, veneers can last 15 or 20 years before needing to be replaced. However, this is assuming that you are maintaining them properly; the care you give your veneers will ultimately affect their lifespan. If you want your veneers to last as long as possible, be sure to follow these 4 useful tips.
1. Be Gentle While Brushing Your Veneers
Your veneers need to be brushed just like the rest of your smile. When doing so, it’s important to exercise great care. Brushing too aggressively could result in chips or cracks appearing. Your dentist can give you some advice on the proper way to brush your veneers so that you can keep them clean without damaging them.
2. Use the Right Kind of Toothpaste
Many types of toothpaste contain abrasive ingredients that help get rid of surface stains. This is an issue because abrasive substances can easily damage the material that your veneers are made of. It’s therefore worth searching for nonabrasive toothpaste that won’t cause problems for your newly improved smile.
3. Be Careful of What You Eat
Veneers may be durable, but it’s still possible to break them if you bite down on particularly hard foods such as ice or peppermints. You will therefore want to avoid such foods as much as possible once your cosmetic dental treatment is complete.
It’s also important to be wary of foods that can stain teeth, such as blueberries and tomato sauce. Veneers that are made of porcelain are highly resistant to staining, but the same can’t be said for your natural enamel. If the teeth next to your veneers become stained, the color difference could end up attracting the wrong kind of attention to your smile.
4. Visit Your Dentist Every Six Months
If you want to keep your veneers, you need to ensure that the teeth they cover stay healthy. Naturally, regular dental checkups and cleanings are essential for protecting the health of your teeth. On top of that, these visits allow your dentist to take a look at your veneers to make sure that they’re still in good condition.
The tips above can go a long way toward helping you get the absolute most out of your veneers. The longer your veneers last, the longer you can enjoy the dazzling smile they help create.
About the Author
Dr. W. Brent Nash graduated from the University of Washington School of Dentistry. For well over three decades, he has been practicing all aspects of dental work. At Complete Dental Care of Sumner, he has been able to help many patients achieve more confident smiles thanks to veneers and other forms of cosmetic dentistry. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Nash, visit his website or call (253) 863-8138.