There are so many cosmetic dental treatments that can alter your smile. Between dental bonding and teeth whitening, your dentist can provide you with a procedure that gives you the smile of your dreams. One of these cosmetic procedures is dental veneers. Dental veneers are thin porcelain shells that your dentist places on the fronts of your teeth. Unlike dental bonding or tooth whitening, dental veneers are a permanent procedure. These little white shells sit on your teeth, providing your smile the color and structure you want.
Because dental veneers are a permanent procedure, your dentist must remove a small layer of enamel from your teeth. Removing the enamel is what makes this a permanent process. Your enamel is what protects your teeth from harmful substances, so removing it weakens the tooth. However, the porcelain shell acts as a new enamel. This means that you don’t have to worry about tooth decay from the dental veneer.
If you have decided to take the leap for porcelain veneers, you should consider a veneer care routine.
Whitening and Stains
One of the great qualities of dental veneers is that they are stain-resistant. This means that it is much harder to stain the dental appliance because of the porcelain material. However, your remaining natural teeth will still stain as normal. To avoid an uneven appearance, you should try to avoid any foods or beverages that might stain your teeth. For example, coffee is a drink that many people consume throughout the day. Unfortunately, the color and acidity of coffee can stain your teeth easily. It would be better to reduce your coffee intake or use a straw to minimize contact with your teeth.
The color of your dental veneers will not change since they are a manufactured product. Conversely, your teeth can and will alter shades–both white and yellow. The shade of your teeth depends on your oral care routine and your genetics. If you want a whiter smile, you should consult your dentist before they place the veneers. Getting a whitening treatment before your veneers can help you have a brighter, whiter smile.
Maintain Good Oral Health
The best way to keep your dental veneers healthy is to maintain a good oral care routine. Brushing and flossing your teeth are essential for a healthy smile. In fact, you need to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily. When you brush your veneers, make sure that you brush gently so that you don’t scratch or damage them. Additionally, you should avoid gritty toothpastes.
Avoid Tobacco Products
After getting veneers, you should avoid consuming or using tobacco products. Chewing or smoking tobacco increases your risk of gum disease and tooth decay. In addition, these products are known for staining your teeth.
Regular Dental Visits
Another way to care for your veneers is to continue to visit your dentist regularly. Your dentist will be able to check the health of your teeth and dental veneers, which should help them last longer.