How to Care for Dental Veneers

One popular procedure in cosmetic dentistry is installing veneers in Oklahoma City. Dental veneers are designed to enhance the appearance of the teeth, particularly when one smiles. Patients who suffer from tooth discoloration as well as damaged, chipped, crooked, or gapped teeth use veneers to cover up these features. A dentist will remove half a millimeter of enamel from the teeth before fitting in new veneers that will bond to your existing teeth. After the installation, be sure you as a patient understand how to care for the new veneers.

Cleaning

Although veneers do not easily discolor, you should regularly brush and clean them so the porous bonding agent does not retain stains. Brush your teeth with a whitening toothpaste to avoid this problem, since this type of paste is known to prevent film and plaque stains from accumulating. Brush and floss as you would on regular teeth. Gum disease and cavities can form on the teeth beneath the veneers, so work on maintaining your oral health. Remember that if the layer of teeth under the veneers becomes discolored, so will the dental veneers. If you’re unsure how to floss, ask your dentist. He or she can inform you on proper techniques so pressure won’t be misapplied. Too much pressure in the wrong spots can result in fissures and chips. A recommended technique is to floss sideways instead of up and down. Flossing is important for gum health since it can prevent gum recession. Gum recession is linked with veneer replacement, so be sure to avoid this by flossing regularly. Last, remember to visit the dentist for cleanings and checkups.

Other Tips

There are a few other ways to maintain your veneers other than cleaning. For one, know when to use them for biting. Stick to chewing food, and avoid ice, nuts, and other hard foods when you have veneers in Oklahoma City. Biting too hard on things can cause the bonding agent to loosen and the teeth will fall out. So don’t be tempted to use your teeth to open up a bag or another container. Tearing and ripping things with your teeth won’t be worth it. If you have a nervous habit of biting your fingernails or grinding your teeth, be sure to refrain from these harmful activities. One last tip is to wear a mouth guard when playing contact sports. You don’t want your veneers knocked out this way.