If you love your dental veneers, you probably want to show your appreciation by taking good care of them. In return, they’ll beautify your smile for years to come. As it turns out, your dental veneers’ love language is proper maintenance! Get to know them and their preferences better by scrolling down and reading more.
Avoid Tannins and Maintain the Hollywood Sparkle
Foods and drinks with rich colors, such as grapes, wine, juice, coffee, curry, and berries, can dull the Hollywood sparkle of your veneers. When the tannins in these treats meet your cosmetics (or natural teeth, for that matter), they trigger a reaction that makes pigments stronger and traps them in surface pores. Dental veneers are stain-resistant overall, but frequently consuming tannin-rich delicacies can eventually discolor them.
Preserve Their Structure by Beating Bad Habits
The pristine shine that makes dental veneers so famous is certainly eye-catching. Another attractive quality, though, is their durability. That’s the magic of quality porcelain! Still, certain habits will prematurely wear down the hardest of materials. Be mindful of these damaging quirks:
- Nail biting
- Teeth grinding
- Bottle-opening – with your teeth, that is!
- Crunching ice
Basically, be careful with your precious veneers, and don’t bite down on tough surfaces if you can help it.
Clean Your Veneers Softly and Gently
Flossing once a day and brushing twice a day won’t just help your veneers last longer – it will also mitigate the staining power of tannins. However, there are products out there that aren’t so great for your new cosmetics. Here’s a list of cleaning items to avoid:
- Hard-bristled toothbrushes are rough on both teeth and dental veneers
- Over-the-counter teeth whitening products are dangerously abrasive
- Charcoal and baking soda are also too grating for dental veneers
- Certain mouthwashes don’t interact well with the bonding adhesive
Always double-check oral hygiene products with your dentist before using them to care for your veneers.
Visit Your Dentist Every Six Months
Speaking of your dentist, they’re a vital part of the hygiene process! Plaque and tartar formed from everyday bacteria can harden near your gumline, increasing your risk for gum disease and infection. You won’t be able to support your cosmetics if a receding gumline causes your tooth to wiggle loose.
Fortunately, that’s where your dentist comes in. They have special tools and training for removing stubborn plaque and tartar, and will check on the integrity of your veneers. If anything looks suspicious, they’ll be sure to tell you right away and help you form a treatment plan. They’re your best alley in promoting the longevity of your dental veneers!
About the Dentist
Dr. Puneet Sandhu, DDS is the owner and lead dentist at Complete Dental Care Paradise Valley in Phoenix, AZ. A graduate of the University of Arizona where he completed his degree in physiology with a minor in chemistry in just three years, he went on to earn his dental degree from UCLA. Dr. Sandhu is a faculty member of Spear Education, the world’s largest dental education organization, and holds a Fellowship with the International Dental Implant Association as well as memberships with the American Dental Association, Arizona Dental Association, and Central Arizona Dental Society. Known for his warm, easy-going approach and his belief that patients are true partners in their own care, his clinical focus is full mouth reconstruction and comprehensive restorative dentistry. Outside the office, Dr. Sandhu enjoys Cardinals and Giants football and spending time with his family.