There are many reasons that can lead a patient down the path of dental veneers. Often it’s due to some form of aesthetic ailment that displeases the patient. For example, discolouration of the tooth or perhaps imperfect alignment, or a cracked tooth. Regardless of the reason, your new veneer is not immune to damage and discolouration, and so if you want to keep your new, perfect smile for the long term then you’ll need to look after it. Here’s how…
How to Care for Your New Dental Veneers
Don’t forget to brush.
Sure, veneers are usually made from strong materials such as porcelain. This means that they cannot decay like normal teeth can. However, that does not mean you can overlook cleaning those teeth with veneers on. Why? Because underneath that veneer is still a normal tooth and that normal tooth certainly can still decay just like all of the others. Many believe that since your tooth is now covered in a porcelain armour you could avoid giving those particular teeth the attention they deserve.
Before long your tooth may start to decay causing an issue with how secure the veneer is. This could lead to detachment and a very unhappy smile. The good news is that this issue is very easily avoided. Simply treat your veneer as a normal tooth. Brush it, floss it, and visit your dentist every 6 months for regular check ups.
Did someone say floss?
As mentioned in the previous paragraph, flossing is essential. So essential we felt that it deserved its very own section. Many people don’t bother flossing because it seems like an effort.
Truly, it takes less time than brushing your teeth. You just need to make it a habit, a thing that is done every morning just like washing your face and brushing your teeth – then it won’t seem like an effort at all. The benefits of flossing far outweighs the few minutes you’ll spend doing it. Not only will a regular flossing regimen combat tooth decay, it will also help in the battle against gum disease.
When you brush your teeth you miss a large area around the gum line and in between the tooth surfaces. These are the areas that build up with bacteria that can attack the tooth and gums. Subsequently, this will damage your teeth and cause havoc on your veneers. Dental floss or an inter dental brush are the perfect tool to keep those areas free from bacteria and keep your dental health up to scratch.
Teeth Aren’t Tools
Us humans have become very inventive in how we live our lives. This is mostly good but there are some downsides. For example, many of us use our teeth as tools. The various uses range from biting your finger nails to opening bottles. Sure, this may actually be quite effective but it’s not good for your teeth and certainly not the best way to look after your veneers.
In some rare circumstances veneers may even become detached as a result of incessant bad habits. It is advised to stay clear from using your teeth to chew on pens and the like if you want your veneers to stand the test of time. If you are already too far down the rabbit hole by the time regret begins to sink in then here’s what you need to do. Firstly, do not attempt to reattach the veneer yourself with some adhesive you find around the house – bad idea.
You may think, ‘well duh obviously!’, yet this form of do it yourself dentistry is all far too common. Instead, keep your veneer safe and call us as soon as you can. We’ll get it back in place in no time! More questions about cosmetic veneers? Not to worry, just give Bamboo Dental a message and we’ll gladly answer any questions that you have. Alternatively, give us a call on 029 20569769.
