Dental veneers are a great investment for your smile because they offer more permanent and beautiful solutions to many dental imperfections. Whether one is having porcelain or composite veneers, proper care and maintenance are imperative in extending their life of service. Here is a detailed guide on how to extend their life.
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1. Maintain Good Oral Hygiene

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Keeping a stringent oral hygiene routine will help your veneers last. This includes the following:

Brushing Twice a Day: Be sure to use a soft-bristle toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste to avoid scratching the surface of your veneers.
Daily Flossing: Flossing helps remove plaque and food particles from between teeth and around veneers, helping to avoid decay and gum diseases.
Rinsing with Mouthwash: Do this using an alcohol-free mouthwash since alcohol weakens the bonding material for your veneers.

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2. Regular Dental Check-Ups

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Regular visits to your dentist are of paramount importance in checking on the condition of your veneers and general oral health. During these check-ups, your dentist will be able to:

Do Professional Cleaning: This will remove plaque and tartar that is built up and cannot be removed by ordinary brushing and flossing.
Check for Damage: Chips, cracks, or any other wear on your veneers can be dealt with early on to prevent further damage.
Apply Fluoride Treatments: Fluoride is good for the teeth below your veneers. This can strengthen such teeth and offer added protection against decay.

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3. Avoid Hard and Staining Foods

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Some foods can either be very harsh on your veneers or cause discoloration of them. To keep your veneers safe:

Limit Hard Foods: Avoid chewing and biting hard objects, including ice, pens, or hard candy pops that will chip or crack your veneers.
Moderate Staining Substances—Alcoholic beverages like coffee, tea, red wine; and tobacco will cause the edges of your veneers and the bonding material to discolor. An added precaution you must observe is to have a mouthwash or a good brushing after every use of these products to help protect them from staining.

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4. Wear a Night Guard

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If you grind your teeth at night—a condition called bruxism—a night guard can cushion your veneers against the extreme forces involved in grinding. The best ones are custom-made from a dentist.

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5. Avoid Using Your Teeth as Tools

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This means that using your teeth as a package, bottle, or other object opener can chip or crack your veneers. Always use the right tools and never stress your teeth unnecessarily.

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6. Eat a Healthy Diet

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A well-balanced diet is important in keeping your teeth and mouth healthy. This will support your veneers by:
 
Calcium-rich Foods: These include dairy products, leafy green vegetables, and calcium-enriched foods that promote the strength of teeth.
Crunchy Fruits and Vegetables: Through chewing, apples, carrots, and celery act as natural tooth and gum cleansers.
Hydrate: Flush food bits and bacteria down by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.

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7. Address Issues Promptly

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If any problems with your veneers are detected, like chipping, discoloration, or even discomfort, then contact your dentist immediately. This will keep further damage at bay and maintain the integrity of your veneers.

Just by following these tips and maintaining a proactive attitude toward your dental health, you can dramatically extend the life expectancy of your dental veneers. Keep in mind that veneers are an investment in your smile, and proper care will give you years of self-confidence and beauty. Regular dental visits, good oral hygiene, and mindful habits hold the secret to keeping your veneers in perfect condition.

Consult your dentist for personal advice regarding your special needs and maintenance, to be sure that you're doing absolutely all there is to ensure protection for your smile.

Now, come up with a plan for both enhancing your beautiful smile using dental veneers and maintaining it. Set up an appointment today with Dr. Ryan Savage to begin such a wonderful journey towards a long-lasting, gorgeous smile. Click here to schedule an appointment.

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