Dental veneers can improve your smile in many ways. However, improper care can lead to costly and unpleasant consequences.
Have you ever made a mistake caring for your veneers and had to pay for the repairs? Imagine this: You’ve just gotten dental veneers and are ecstatic over their new appearance until your dentist points out chips and discoloration.
Don’t let this happen to you! Common mistakes with dental veneer care can be easily avoided with just a few simple rules. This post will explore those common mistakes and how to care for your veneers properly.
Read on!
1. Neglecting Professional Follow-up Care
One of the most common mistakes people make in dental veneer care is neglecting professional follow-up care. While it is important to follow the instructions of your dentist to brush and floss your teeth after a veneer procedure, it is equally important to attend regular checkups and cleanings with your dentist to ensure proper care of your veneers.
Not attending regular exams can cause your veneers to become discolored or lose their luster due to the buildup of plaque and other debris on the surface.
Additionally, it’s important to ensure you get any chips and cracks repaired or replaced by your dentist as soon as possible to maintain the overall look of your veneers.
By attending regular checkups and cleanings, you can be sure your veneers remain beautiful and strong for years to come. You can book a dental veneer appointment or just visit this dental spa today!
2. Overbrushing Teeth With Veneers
Overbrushing the teeth with veneers can cause accelerated erosion of the enamel beneath the veneer. This leads to wrinkling and deformation of the veneer surface. It can also cause chipping and, in extreme cases, breakage of the veneer.
Additionally, the force generated by vigorous brushing can loosen the bond between the veneer and the underlying tooth. To properly care for surfaces, use a soft bristle toothbrush with gentle, circular motions and always brush in the direction of the gum line.
Avoid using abrasive toothpaste and, instead, opt for toothpaste designed explicitly for veneers. Additionally, use moistened dental floss to hug and clean between the veneer and the gum line.
3. Eating Hard or Sticky Foods
When caring for your dental veneers, avoiding certain foods that can damage them is essential. One of the most common mistakes is eating hard or sticky foods.
Hard foods can chip or crack the tooth surface veneers, causing them to become loose or even come off altogether. Sticky foods should also be avoided, as they can stick to the veneers and become difficult to remove, potentially damaging the surface material.
Picking veneers with hard or sharp objects is also a big mistake. They should be avoided completely. In short, it’s best to stick to a soft diet, chew gently, and avoid anything that risks your veneers.
4. Avoiding or Not Using Special Veneer Dental Products
One of the biggest mistakes when caring for dental veneers is avoiding or not using special dental veneer cleaning tools and products. While it is true that regular oral care is still important, regular toothpaste, brushes, and dental floss may not be enough to maintain the longevity and vibrancy of veneers.
Special veneer products do a better job of cleaning and polishing non-porous surfaces such as porcelain or composite veneers. Additionally, paying attention to the tooth’s edges is essential, where gum recession can occur.
Special veneer-specific care should be taken to avoid weakened edges or discoloration.
5. Disregarding Sleep Hygiene and Oral Care Habits
Disregarding sleep hygiene and oral care habits can have a negative impact on dental veneers and should be avoided. When you dont practice good oral hygiene, bacteria and plaque accumulate around your teeth and can seriously damage your veneers.
Additionally, poor hygiene increases the chance of gum disease, which, if left untreated, could cause damage to the veneers.
Disregarding sleep hygiene could also lead to teeth grinding and clenching, which can wear down the veneer material. To prevent these issues, brush and floss your teeth regularly and use a night guard while sleeping.
6. Overlooking Signs of Damage
Overlooking signs of damage to dental veneers is one of the most common mistakes in caring for them. Over time, veneers may weaken, fade, chip, or break. Doing an occasional visual check is a great way to spot any damage in its beginning stages and avoid any inconvenient and possibly expensive visits to the dentist down the road.
A thorough check should include examining the veneers themselves, as well as the edges around the veneer, to make sure nothing has chipped or broken off in those areas.
Additionally, it’s important to be aware of any discomfort or even pain that may be occurring in the area around the veneer. Going for regular cleanings and dental exams with your dentist is a great way to check up on your veneers and spot any issues early on. This shouldn’t be overlooked when it comes to veneer care.
7. Not Using a Mouthguard
One of the most common mistakes with dental veneer care is not using a mouthguard when participating in sports or physical activities. This can lead to damage or even loss of a veneer due to a sharp blow to the mouth.
Mouthguards are designed to cushion accidental blows and minimize the risk of damage to the teeth and veneers. To ensure proper dental veneer care when partaking in sports, some methods you can use to protect your veneers include having a custom-fitted mouthguard from your dentist or using an over-the-counter one.
It’s important to clean the mouthguard with soap and water and store it in a clean plastic container between uses. Taking the time to use a mouthguard will help protect your investment and ensure the longevity of your dental veneers.
Avoid These Mistakes With Dental Veneer Care
Overall, while veneers can achieve a dazzling smile, caring for them takes consistent effort. These seven common mistakes with dental veneer care are easy to avoid with the support of your dentist.
Follow this veneer care routine and enjoy the beauty of veneer restorations for many years to come. Schedule an appointment with your dentist today to ensure your veneers remain healthy and beautiful.