When you initially receive veneers, you want to maintain their beautiful appearance for as long as possible. Unfortunately, life happens, and many patients fall out of the routine they promised to keep. Instead of falling victim to this scenario, why not learn what you can do to keep your veneers lasting longer, so you can continue to enjoy the sight of a beautiful smile.
Ask About a Nightguard if You Grind Your Teeth
Bruxism, or teeth grinding and clenching, is one of the fastest ways to wear down your veneers. These custom restorations are highly durable, but they can succumb to the damage caused by this harmful habit.
Before the situation worsens, ask your dentist about a custom nightguard to protect both your real and artificial teeth. Not only will your veneers last longer, but you’ll minimize additional wear and tear and jaw pain.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Brushing twice daily with nonabrasive toothpaste, flossing at least once a day, and rinsing regularly will keep your smile looking and feeling healthier. Adopting a good oral hygiene routine is one of the most effective ways to ensure your new smile doesn’t develop cavities, tooth decay, or gum disease, all of which can negatively affect your cosmetic investment.
Just be sure not to use regular toothpaste brands, as they can be too abrasive for veneers, resulting in scratches that make them less vibrant over time.
Say Goodbye to Bad Habits
Whether it’s smoking, eating ice, opening packages with your teeth, or chewing on inanimate objects, such as pens and pencils, these bad habits need to stop. With veneers, you can easily damage your teeth over time, requiring replacements much sooner than you originally planned.
Also, if you smoke, the bonding can weaken, causing your veneers to fall off if you’re not careful.
Wear Protective Gear While Playing Sports
If you enjoy playing sports or staying active, plan to ask your doctor about a custom athletic mouthguard to protect your veneers. Similar to teeth grinding, too much pressure from a hard hit or fall can cause severe damage to your new restorations. Chips, cracks, and other imperfections can occur, leaving you with veneers that need to be replaced.
By wearing a custom-made mouthguard, you can reduce the intensity of any pressure that may be applied while playing the game you love.
Veneers can last 10-15 years with proper care, so make sure you’re taking the appropriate steps to extend their lifespan for as long as possible.
About Grand Dental – Wilmington
Dental veneers are among the many cosmetic services offered at Grand Dental – Wilmington. With qualified dentists who are trained to place these restorations, we will make sure your new smile matches what you envision. Using the latest technologies and skilled technicians, we can help you hide your imperfections and instead embrace a more confident appearance. Ready to see a new smile the next time you look in the mirror? Visit our website or call (815) 476-6755 to schedule a consultation.