Cosmetic dentists use dental veneers to fix common tooth problems, including chips, cracks, and gaps. People with tooth problems choose veneers because they look good and are durable.
A typical dental veneer lasts 7 to 15 years, and yours can last longer with the proper care. One of the best things you can learn before getting veneers is how to care for them.
You can learn this by understanding some common dental veneer maintenance mistakes. Are you ready to learn? Then, keep reading to learn the top six mistakes to avoid with dental veneers.
1. Ignoring Tooth Grinding Issues
Dental veneers are coverings dentists place over teeth. They typically make them with porcelain, but they might also use other materials. Unfortunately, the materials won’t hold up if you grind your teeth.
You should talk to your dentist if you grind your teeth, as you’ll need to learn ways of preventing damage to veneers after getting them. One option is to wear a mouth guard while sleeping.
2. Chewing on Things
Grinding can damage veneers from the pressure it places on teeth, but you can also put too much pressure on them by chewing on non-food items.
For example, do you bite your nails or chew on a pen when you’re nervous? If so, you’ll need to find a way to stop doing these things.
3. Eating the Wrong Foods
Additionally, certain foods can also damage your veneers. Veneers are one of the top cosmetic procedures because they look good and are durable, but they can’t withstand foods that are too chewy or hard.
For example, you should avoid eating taffy, caramel, or hard candies. Additionally, you might want to skip drinking beverages that stain teeth, including red wine, coffee, and tea.
4. Using the Wrong Products
Cleaning dental veneers is also necessary to protect them. Therefore, you should avoid using the wrong products, including hard-bristled toothbrushes. The bristles are too hard for veneers and might damage them.
Instead, ask your dentist about the best veneer cleaning tools. For example, your dentist might suggest a soft-bristled toothbrush and whitening toothpaste.
Whitening toothpaste cleans veneers well and keeps your other teeth whiter.
5. Failing to Clean Them
Developing a good veneer maintenance routine is essential to keep them clean and strong. You can begin by purchasing the right products based on your dentist’s suggestions. Then, you can develop good cleaning habits.
6. Smoking
Finally, you should avoid smoking. Smoking has negative effects on your health and teeth, and it leads to dental veneer stains.
Smoking also restricts the oxygen flow to your mouth, causing an increased risk of cavities and gum disease. Therefore, you should aim to stop smoking if you currently smoke.
Avoid These Dental Veneer Maintenance Mistakes
Your veneers will look nicer and last longer if you avoid these common dental veneer maintenance mistakes. Veneers are ideal for fixing various cosmetic tooth problems, and you can talk to your dentist about them.
Contact us at Michelle Wang DDS in Redlands, CA. We offer dental veneers and other cosmetic dental services.