Taking care of your Veneers

You may have heard folks talking about someone who has Veneers or have a friend or family member who has undergone this treatment.  So, what are Veneers? Veneers are thin, translucent covers that bond to the front of your teeth. They are a great solution for teeth that are stained, chipped, worn, misaligned or gapped.  They’re custom made to fit your teeth and improve the look of your smile.

How do I take care of my Veneers?

You talked to your dentist, decided that Veneers were the solution for you and had the procedure.  They look great! Now you need to know how to maintain them.

• Practice good oral hygiene: brush and floss daily, rinse with an alcohol free mouthwash
• Choose your toothpaste carefully: check for substances like hydrogen peroxide (eats away veneers) and baking soda (too gritty) –choose a gel toothpaste containing fluoride
• Use the right toothbrush: choose one with soft bristles as it will not scratch your veneers
• Chew only food! avoid chewing on hard objects like pens, fingernails, ice, and metal caps
• Watch what you eat: avoid candy apples, nuts, meat that contains bones, raw carrots and apples (cut these in small pieces if you wish to eat them)
• Play Wisely:
• invest in a mouth guard if you play contact sports
• Avoid stains: limit foods that are known to cause discoloration (coffee, red wine, dark soda, tea, soy sauce, etc.)
• Stop smoking: it stains veneers
• Have regular dental check-ups: ensures that potential problems are spotted quickly and addressed before causing issues
• Avoid too much alcohol: it will soften the bonding material and make the bonding line prone to damage, deterioration and stains
• Get your veneers cleaned and polished: to help preserve them, have your veneers polished every three months and cleaned every six months

Who can get Veneers?

Not everyone is a good candidate for veneers.  Your dentist will help you decide if this treatment is right for you.  Veneers may not be right for you if:

• You have tooth decay or gum disease
• If your teeth have little enamel left, a veneer will not stick properly
• If too much of a tooth is missing
• If you grind or clench your teeth, a veneer can be chipped or damaged

If you want to improve the appearance of your smile, Veneers are an effective solution!  It is one of the best ways to get perfectly shaped white teeth. Talk to your dentist about the possibility.

If you want more information about Veneers or wish to discuss whether this procedure is right for you call Centennial Smiles at (587) 317-7959.