Caring for Your Dental Veneers: 5 Easy Steps

The ultimate “smile makeover,” dental veneers are often the choice for people whose teeth are visually affected by age, injury or some other condition that causes discoloration or disfigurement.

Choose only a highly respected prosthodontist/dentist in Ft. Lauderdale to consult with you on how good a candidate you are for dental veneers – after all, this is a medical as well as a cosmetic procedure.

And once your veneers are in place, you can keep them looking and feeling their best for years to come. All it takes is some basic maintenance.

1. Watch what you eat and drink.

While dental veneers are fashioned from sturdy porcelain, they can be subject to discoloration. You can reduce the chances of stains by limiting your intake of coffee, tea and red wine. (As a rule, if it’s a liquid that can stain your carpet, it can also stain your dental veneers.) Even alcohol, if overused, can break down the polish of the veneer. Watch out for hard candy, ice cubes, unpopped popcorn and other hazards to your teeth. Plus, nail-biting and pencil-chewing are bad habits anyway – but even worse ones when you add in the potential damage to your veneer investment.

2. Pick the right toothpaste.

Highly abrasive toothpastes can strip and dull the coating of dental veneers. Stick with gentle toothpastes formulated for sensitive teeth. Better yet, ask your dentist about specific toothpaste brands, like Supersmile, created for people who have had cosmetic dentistry.

3. Brush and floss with veneers in mind.

Just as you wouldn’t use an abrasive toothpaste, you should not use a “heavy,” abrasive toothbrush. Look for one with soft bristles. Then brush the way your dentist (or your mother) always taught: for two minutes, no cheating! Avoid “scrubbing” with the toothbrush. Floss regularly, using a coated brand to help the floss move more smoothly between your teeth.

4. Get regular checkups.

Your dental health plan always includes regular check-ups and cleanings from your dentist. Dental veneers are no different – catching a small imperfection in them now might save you time, money and pain later. If you have a habit of clenching or grinding your teeth, your dentist may recommend a nighttime bite guard to protect your dental veneers from damage.

5. Make them last.

With proper upkeep, your dental veneers could last up to 10 years. If you are a good candidate for this kind of cosmetic dentistry, your first stop is to the office of an expert. In Ft. Lauderdale, Dr. John C. Stone has more than 30 years of experience as a prosthodontist. Call us for a free consultation.