Whether you already have porcelain veneers or you are interested in having dental veneers placed, you’ll want to know how to keep them looking amazing! Your beautiful smile can stay beautiful with a few helpful suggestions.
Brushing and Flossing Porcelain Veneers
Some patients question whether regular brushing and flossing is good for porcelain veneers. Fortunately, you can brush and floss the same way you do your natural teeth.
When you brush your veneers, keep a few tips in mind:
- Use a non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste. We can help you choose a toothpaste that has a low abrasiveness, or you can check with the American Dental Association to see if the toothpaste you are currently using is mild enough.
- Choose a good quality, waxed floss. Cheaper flosses tend to rip and tear between certain teeth.
- Brush and floss twice daily. Clean teeth mean less decay and deterioration.
- If you use a mouthwash, use one without alcohol, which can slowly break down the bonding used to place veneers.
Keeping up with your oral health is just as important with dental veneers as without veneers. Your cosmetic dentist can also show you basic brushing and flossing guidelines for any dental work you have done.
Be Careful What You Chew
We want to keep our Colorado Springs porcelain veneers patients looking beautiful. After you’ve had a porcelain veneers restoration, you may want to avoid biting on certain foods and objects to keep your smile gorgeous.
Forcing your veneers and your natural teeth to bite on something hard can damage your teeth. Avoid biting down on the following:
- Ice cubes.
- Raw carrots, and other hard raw veggies, fruits, and nuts (we recommend cooking or being extremely careful).
- Hard candies or suckers.
- Sticky foods like carmels.
- Bones (be careful with chicken, turkey, and steak).
- The ends of pens and pencils.
- Packages (never try to open a bag with your teeth!).
You may also want to avoid chewing gum, which is not only sticky, but puts a lot of pressure on your teeth and jaw joint.
Protect Your Teeth When You’re Working and Playing in Colorado Springs
If you play a sport, ride your bike around town, or work in dangerous conditions, don’t forget to protect your teeth. Wear a mouthguard for sports, particularly one that has been fitted by a dentist.
Wear the correct helmet, whether you are into bike riding or motorcycle riding. Not only can protection keep your mouth safe, but it keeps your head safe, too.
Address Any Teeth Grinding Issues or Other Oral Health Concerns
If you grind your teeth at night or if you clench your teeth a lot, you’ll want to find a way to protect your teeth. You can wear a night guard to help with nighttime teeth grinding, which protects both your dental veneers and your natural teeth.
If you grind your teeth or clench them during the day out of habit, start to change your habits. You want to make sure your smile continues to look beautiful by taking good care of your teeth.
Continue to Visit Our Office for Routine Dental Care
Professional cleanings and dental exams are going to help your porcelain veneers and your natural teeth last longer. A dentist can also make sure your porcelain veneers are still in great shape and that your natural teeth are healthy.
Your oral health is a big part of your overall health, so make sure to continue to see your Colorado Springs dentist about every six months.
Porcelain Veneers for a Better Smile and Better Health
If you have more questions about how to take care of your porcelain veneers, or if you want more information on how porcelain veneers can transform your smile, give us a call! We take the time to talk to each of our patients about their individual needs.
When it comes to your smile, you should feel like sharing it with the world! Take care of your dental veneers, and keep your smile beautiful for years to come.
