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Got Veneers? How to Properly Care for Your Dental Investment

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Porcelain veneers are often a dental treatment received in order to improve the attractiveness of one's smile. Veneers are very thin, but they are durable. Veneers are often used to disguise chips, stains, and similar dental flaws. In the end, your smile is restored, as is your confidence. Now, despite the fact that porcelain veneers are resilient, it is important to understand that you need to care for this dental investment in order to prolong their life. To ensure they last, here are some veneer maintenance tips to follow.

Tip #1: Maintain Proper Oral Hygiene

With veneers, it is very important that you maintain your regular oral hygiene routine. By performing your twice-daily brushing and once-daily flossing, you will be preventing the buildup of plaque around the edges of the veneers and reducing the risk of the development of gum disease. If you have trouble with flossing or find that you don't do it consistently once a day as you should, you may want to consider investing in a Waterpik. It is convenient and efficient.

Tip #2: Don't Use Abrasive Oral Products

As you are performing your oral hygiene routine, you want to be careful not to use the wrong products. You want to avoid using a hard-bristled toothbrush as well as an abrasive toothpaste. The reason for this is because both of these products can create scratches in your porcelain veneers, which could potentially allow bacterial buildup in the area. If you are unsure what type of toothpaste or toothbrush you should be using, don't hesitate to ask your dentist for a recommendation.

Tip #3: Consider a Mouthguard

If you are prone to grinding your teeth at night, it may be a good idea to talk to your dentist about being fitted for a mouthguard. This will help protect your veneers as well as the rest of your teeth. A mouthguard can also be beneficial if you are active in sports.

Tip #4: Stop Smoking

Regardless of how often it is done, smoking increases your overall risk of getting gum disease. If gum disease forms, then the gums will recess away from your teeth, including the veneers. In addition, though the veneers themselves won't discolor, smoking can cause the edges around the veneers to discolor.

Porcelain veneers are meant to enhance the appearance of your smile, but it will take some effort on your part for them to continue to do their job after they are placed on your teeth. If you have questions or concerns regarding dental veneers, consult with a local cosmetic dentist.


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