Dental veneers are used to give one the perfect smile. Any misshapen, crooked, or broken tooth can be corrected by attaching a veneer to it. In fact, one’s entire set of teeth can be covered by veneers to give you the perfect Hollywood smile!
A set of porcelain veneers normally lasts for about 10 years. But with proper care and by maintaining good oral health one can extend the life of a set of veneers for even longer.
Modern dental veneers are just as strong than the enamel on your teeth. However if the underlying natural tooth starts to decay it can severely affect how the veneer looks, or make it impossible to apply dental veneers in the first place.
If you chew on ice or something particularly hard the veneer might even break and there is also the possibility of a veneer falling off.
That normally happens if it is not fixed properly or if the bonding weakens with prolonged contact with alcohol or other substances.
Extending the life of dental veneers
Let’s explore the best ways to make your dental veneers last as long as possible.
1. Practice good oral hygiene
The most important point here is to brush twice a day and floss at least once daily.
Use a non-abrasive toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid damaging the gums.
Rinse with a non-alcoholic mouth wash since alcohol tends to soften the bonding between the teeth and the veneer making it vulnerable to breaking.
2. Don’t use your teeth as tools
You should never use your teeth to open things like bottle caps or chew non-food items like the back of a pen or nails.
These actions may cause veneers to chip or break.
3. Avoid grinding
Bruxism is the tendency to grind your teeth or clench the jaws during sleep.
To protect the dental veneers, it’s important to use a nightguard or occlusal guard to create a physical barrier for those who grind their teeth while sleeping.
4. Watch for stains
One should avoid dark coloured food and beverages like chocolate, red wine, coffee, tea, berries, red pasta sauce.
They all leave behind surface stains on your teeth as well as on your veneers.
If you do eat these foods, then ensure you clean your teeth thoroughly afterwards.
5. Avoid tobacco
Millions across the globe have stained and dirty teeth due to the use of tobacco and veneers are as susceptible.
“A set of porcelain veneers normally lasts for about 10 years. But with proper care and by maintaining good oral health one can extend the life of a set of veneers for even longer.”
So avoid consumption of tobacco in any form to keep your veneers looking white!
6. Chew wisely
Take care while eating very firm foods like apples, carrots, and meat on the bone.
If you accidentally bite down on something hard it could cause your veneer to crack or break entirely.
7. Protect your smile
Contact sports like basketball, wrestling, or boxing can damage the veneer.
So make sure you invest in a high quality, custom fitted mouthguard.
8. Dental check-ups
Make sure you visit a dentist for regular check-ups at least twice a year.
If your veneer falls off or gets damaged, you’ll need to have it replaced immediately by your dentist.
Conclusion
Your smile is a big part of your first impression when you meet someone and if you have crooked teeth, dental veneers can make it even better.
If you follow the rules above not only will you have an attractive, white, smile but it will last for much longer.
To make your smile stand the test of time, contact our team who heave years of experience providing dental veneers Gold Coast.
