How to Ensure the Longevity of Dental Veneers
Dental veneers are one of the most popular and effective ways to improve the aesthetics of your smile. There’s no doubt when someone with veneers smiles, everyone notices, and in the best way! While dental veneers are a great option for any adult who is looking to improve their smile’s aesthetics, there are some habits you want to keep in mind to ensure your investment lasts as long as possible.
Let’s review some of the most important things you can do to protect your smile and veneers for a lifetime of smiling, chewing, and laughing along the way.
Dental Hygiene
While this might seem obvious to some, keeping up with a good oral hygiene routine at home can be paramount to the longevity of your dental veneers. Just because you have veneers does NOT mean you can neglect your brushing and flossing. Some think because veneers are not a natural part of your tooth, that they do not require the same upkeep, but that’s not the case! Keeping the foundation of your smile healthy is crucial to keeping your veneers as long as possible.
Gum disease and tooth decay are some of the biggest reasons veneers will fail in the long run. Be sure to brush twice daily for a full two minutes, preferably with a non-abrasive toothpaste (to reduce scratching of any kind), and if you have an electric toothbrush to get the job done, even better! Flossing is also extremely important to clean the spaces between your teeth along the margins of your new veneers. One of the most common areas to get plaque and food debris trapped in between your teeth, so flossing must be done daily to ensure proper maintenance!
Don’t forget to plan regularly scheduled dental exams and cleanings to have your veneers professionally cleaned and polished twice a year.
Wear a Nightguard
Some people may clench or grind their teeth when they sleep (bruxism.) When they do, a night guard can save you from a lot of damage or added expenses. If you’re getting veneers, investing in a night guard can help reduce the chances of chipping or breaking a piece of the veneer or any other teeth. Clenching and grinding your teeth can cause concern for any restorative dental work, including veneers. Nightguards are easy to make and often require short appointments to get fitted. Each one is molded exactly to your smile to ensure the best comfort and function.
Wearing a night guard while you sleep ensures your teeth are protected when you are the most likely to clench or grind. Even if you aren’t prone to bruxism, Dr. Yazdan may recommend this protective appliance to limit the chances of unnecessary damage to your new veneers.
Wear a Sports Mouthguard
Along the same lines as a night guard, it’s important to protect your mouth during recreational activities. If you’re involved in any kind of sport or hobby that might pose a risk of facial injuries—such as soccer, cycling, ice skating, etc.—we recommend wearing a sports mouthguard for added protection. That way, any bumps to the mouth don’t instantly damage your gorgeous veneers.
Treat Gum Disease Early
For patients with gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, their infection can jeopardize the longevity of cosmetic dental work or their smile in general. Veneers are no different! If you have any form of gum disease, there is always a risk for future bone loss that could, in advanced cases, lead to tooth loss. Fortunately, early treatment can stop the spread of this common gum infection.
It’s important to note that gum disease symptoms can often worsen in smokers and diabetics. This is important to discuss with Dr. Yazdan while you’re deciding if dental veneers are right for you!
Whether you had some form of gum disease prior to veneer treatment or developed it after your smile makeover, it’s crucial for your oral health to ensure gum disease is treated and managed properly. Gum disease, with professional care and good hygiene habits, can be managed well, even with dental veneers!
Am I a Candidate for Veneers?
While it can seem a bit overwhelming at first, taking care of your dental veneers to get the longest life out of them is very similar to taking care of your natural teeth. With proper dental hygiene routines, routine care, and the right dental team to ensure things are on the right track, dental veneers can be a fantastic option for those looking to level up their smile goals!
At the Center for Restorative and Cosmetic Dentistry in Newport Beach, Dr. Yazdan will meet with you one-on-one to review any dental concerns or questions you may have regarding veneers. With an experienced team by your side, you can be sure you will receive top-quality care for all of your smile makeover needs.
About Dr. Yazdan
