Porcelain veneers are an increasingly common solution to less-than-perfect teeth. If you’re interested in dental veneers, but you’re wondering how to take care of veneers teeth or how to brush your teeth with veneers, then the following information may answer most or all of your questions about taking care of porcelain veneers.
Do You Have Good Oral Hygiene?
Your porcelain veneers, as well as your natural teeth, will benefit from a regimen of good oral hygiene that should include, at a minimum, the following procedures:
- Brush at least twice each day, preferably after each meal or snack.
- Floss at least once each day, at least before bedtime, so that you remove as many remaining food particles as possible.
- Use an antibacterial mouthwash at least once each day, which will remove any bacterial residue. Using an antibacterial mouthwash before bedtime will greatly reduce the number of bacteria that form in your mouth during the night.
- Schedule regular dental cleanings and checkups, annually at a minimum, but twice each year is better.
- Eat a healthy diet.
These porcelain veneers maintenance practices will ensure that your mouth and your veneers are as healthy as possible and that any potential issues are caught before they escalate into major dental problems. Regular dental checkups are especially important because your dentist may notice issues that are minor and resolve them while they’re in the early stages. These good oral hygiene habits will also deter the formation of gingivitis, which can adversely impact your natural teeth as well as your veneers teeth.
Brushing
When you brush, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and press gently. If you press too hard, then you can cause striations in your tooth enamel as well as your veneers porcelain. A soft-bristled brush will clean your tooth enamel and gums, but it won’t damage your enamel the way a firm-bristled brush does. You should use a gel toothpaste because other types can contain micro-beads that can damage your tooth enamel, whether it’s natural tooth enamel or veneers porcelain.
Brushing in the morning before you eat or drink anything is the healthiest method. This ensures that any bacteria that have formed in your mouth during the night are not transferred to your stomach. It may mean that you need to brush again before you leave for your day, but that’s a good thing.
Flossing
Optimally, you should floss after every meal or snack, but that may not be feasible. If you can’t floss after you eat, then rinse your mouth well with clear water two or three times. This will eliminate many of the residual food particles that can cause decay or gum disease. You should floss at least once daily, preferably before bedtime, so that you remove any food particles that your toothbrush wasn’t able to reach.
Mouthwash
An antibacterial mouthwash will remove any residual bacteria that brushing and flossing missed, so you’ll be less likely to develop decay or bad breath. Make sure that your mouthwash has the American Dental Association seal of approval, and use it in the morning and in the evening for optimal results.
Diet
Although it may not seem relevant, a diet that’s high in sugars and carbohydrates can damage both your teeth and your veneers, so focus on a healthy diet that includes an ample amount of plain water. Avoid foods that are high in carbohydrates and sugars, which can contribute to decay and gum disease, neither of which are conducive to good veneers dental care.
Dental Visits
Regular dental exams and cleanings can help keep both your veneers and your natural teeth in good shape. Veneers are usually applied only to the front of your teeth, so you need to ensure that the backs of your natural teeth are healthy in order to maintain healthy veneers.
Do You Chew On Objects?
Porcelain veneers are very strong, but they were never intended to be used to open bottles or chew on ink pens. If you practice either of these, then you should stop the habit before you get veneers. Any hard object, even if it’s food, can damage your veneers. If you want to ensure the best veneers dental care possible, avoid chewing on ice or biting into apples or candy apples or other hard foods, and don’t use your teeth for unintended purposes.
Do You Grind Your Teeth?
Grinding your teeth at night, called bruxism, can damage your veneers as well as your natural teeth. If you have this habit, then invest in a mouth guard to wear when you sleep or talk to your dentist about methods to help you stop. If you can stop, that’s the best option. If you can’t, then ask your dentist about a mouth guard to protect your teeth and your veneers.
Can You Stain Your Veneers?
Although veneers are resistant to staining, the adhesive that attaches them to your teeth may not be, and the backs of your teeth aren’t. This can cause the edges to darken or yellow, which is very unsightly. If you drink coffee, red wine, and colas, then try drinking through a straw to minimize possible discoloration of your veneers.
Do You Smoke?
As well as being bad for your physical health, smoking is bad for your oral health. It can stain or discolor your veneers just like it does your natural teeth, so that’s a good reason to quit. Veneers can’t be whitened in the manner that your natural teeth can – if they become stained, then that’s how they’ll remain unless you replace them.
Maintaining Veneers
If you have a regimen of good dental hygiene, then maintaining veneers should be relatively simple for you: They require the same good hygiene techniques that your natural teeth need. With proper porcelain veneers maintenance and care, your dental veneers should last you for decades. Your regimen of maintaining veneers should be as important to you as maintaining your natural teeth if you want both of them to last as long as possible.
What’s The Cost Of Veneers In Los Angeles?
As with all dental procedures, your cost of veneers will be unique to you and will depend on several factors that include the number of veneers you need, the material selected, any additional work that you need, and your insurance coverage. During your initial consultation with Dr. Michael Abaian, you’ll be provided with a cost estimate so that you’ll know the procedures needed and the fees you’ll incur.
Do You Want Veneers In Los Angles?
If you live in Los Angeles or the surrounding areas and you want more information on porcelain veneers maintenance or caring for veneers, then call Southland Dental Care at 818-788-8787. Porcelain veneers can transform your teeth into a dazzling smile at an affordable cost. They’re one of the most popular dental procedures we perform, and our patients are thrilled with their beautiful new smiles and straight, even teeth that are also beautifully white and gleaming.
Dr. Michael Abaian can provide you with additional tips on veneers dental care that can extend the life of your veneers as well as your natural teeth. Your good oral health is directly linked to your good physical health, so maintaining your veneers in the best possible condition will help you to maintain your physical health as well.
If you want porcelain veneers in the Los Angeles area, then call our office for an appointment. You’ll be glad you did.
