To people who have long suffered with the visual imperfections of crooked, stained, worn, or gapped teeth, porcelain veneers are one of the answers to gaining an instantly beautiful smile again. Totally transformative for the wearer, and incredibly durable, veneers still require some TLC to stay gleaming and perfect.
Don’t worry – there’s no unusually demanding regime to be followed. It’s more along the lines of the good dental hygiene that every dentist asks of their patients, along with a few insider tips on what to use.
Snapshot of a veneer
Veneers are thin porcelain skins that are super-bonded to your teeth. The ‘cement’ we dentists use means veneers should stay on your teeth for decades. They can’t decay and they don’t stain. They can chip or detach if you don’t care for the teeth and gums around them. So what to do and when?
Perfect with a polish
Dental veneers start out with highly polished surfaces. To maintain the gleam, stick to flossing and brushing twice daily. Then every three months or so, visit your Dentist for a polish. The better your cleaning regime, the longer you can stretch out your polishes.
When should you use a mouthguard?
You’ve just made a great investment in your mouth. Don’t put your dental veneers and natural teeth in jeopardy by running out onto the field, the basketball court or to the boxing ring without a mouth guard. It can save you trauma to teeth and your bank balance!
There are many situations where you should wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth and jaw from injury. Some of the most common situations:
Playing Sports:
- Contact sports like football, hockey, basketball, boxing, and martial arts put teeth at high risk of impact and injury. Wearing a mouthguard is essential in these sports.
- Non-contact sports like soccer, volleyball, and baseball also carry the risk of accidental falls and collisions, making mouthguards beneficial for these activities as well.
Grinding Teeth (Bruxism):
- Grinding your teeth at night or during the day can wear down enamel, cause pain, and loosen teeth. A custom-made mouthguard worn at night can help prevent these issues.
Sleep Apnea:
- Mouthguards can help keep your airway open in certain cases of sleep apnea, improving sleep quality and reducing snoring.
Jaw Discomfort (TMJ):
- Mouthguards can help reduce pain and discomfort associated with temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ) by providing support and reducing clenching.
Orthodontic Treatment:
- While wearing braces or aligners, teeth are more susceptible to damage. A mouthguard can help protect them from injury during sports or other activities.
Other Situations:
- Mouthguards can also be beneficial in situations where there is a high risk of facial injury, such as during occupational activities or recreational activities like skateboarding or cycling.
Additional considerations:
- The type of mouthguard you choose depends on the activity and your individual needs.
- It’s important to have a properly fitted mouthguard for optimal protection and comfort.
- Replace your mouthguard regularly, especially if it shows signs of wear and tear.
Remember wearing a mouthguard is a simple and effective way to protect your teeth and jaw from injury. Consult your dentist for advice on choosing the right mouthguard for your needs.
Alcohol and Veneers
Alcoholic drinks
How can alcohol lift a veneer off a tooth when we’ve said that veneers stay bonded to teeth for decades? The alcohol slowly wears away the bonding compounds. Over time an unsightly line can appear where the bond is, plus it can deteriorate. So sure, enjoy a drink but please drink moderately, for your overall health as much as the longevity of your veneers.
Alcoholic mouthwash
It’s the same premise for mouthwash – alcohol accelerates the deterioration of veneer bonds. So seek out a mouthwash (and toothpaste for that matter) with no added alcohol, and don’t rely on mouthwash alone for mouth hygiene.
Importance of Proper Oral Hygiene:
While mouthwashing is a helpful oral hygiene tool, it should not be relied upon solely. Brushing and flossing regularly remain essential for maintaining healthy gums and teeth. This will help protect your veneers and contribute to their longevity.
Additional Tips:
- Consult your dentist for recommendations on oral hygiene products suitable for veneers.
- Avoid using abrasive products like baking soda toothpaste, as they can scratch the veneer surface.
- Scheduling regular dental checkups, you can maintain the health and beauty of your veneers for years to come.
Toothpaste and toothbrushes for veneers
‘Go soft. Brush often’ is our rule for anyone with dental veneers. Hard bristles will scratch your veneers. Soft bristled toothbrushes are just as effective so don’t fall for harder is better. Go soft and brush often. For toothpaste, whitening brands are a no-no. They scratch the veneer surface. Firmer bristles can also damage the gum around the tooth which will, in turn, expose the edge of your veneer.
Choose the Right Toothpaste and Toothbrush for Veneers
Veneers require special care to maintain their beauty and function. Here’s what you need to know about choosing the right toothpaste and toothbrush for veneers:
Toothpaste:
- Avoid abrasive kinds of toothpaste: Choose a non-abrasive or sensitive teeth toothpaste. These products contain gentle cleaning agents that won’t scratch or dull the veneer surface.
- Consider whitening kinds of toothpaste: Some whitening toothpaste can be used with veneers, but it’s crucial to choose a formula specifically designed for them. Avoid harsh whitening agents that can damage the veneers.
- Consult Your Dentist: Ask your dentist for recommendations on specific toothpastes suitable for veneers.
Toothbrushes:
- Choose Soft Bristles: Soft bristles are gentle on the veneers and prevent scratching. Avoid medium or hard bristles, which can be too abrasive.
- Look for a Small Head: A small head toothbrush is easier to maneuver around your veneers and reach all areas of your mouth.
- Replace Regularly: Just like with any toothbrush, replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months, or sooner if the bristles become frayed.
Frequent check-ups for dental veneers
You were born with strong teeth. Your dentist is achieving a stunning smile transformation with the highest quality dental veneers available in Sydney. Regular checkups and proper oral care ensure your dazzling smile lasts a lifetime.
Benefits of Regular Check-Ups:
- Early Detection of Problems: Regular check-ups allow your dentist to detect any potential issues with your veneers, such as chipping, cracking, or loose bonding, early on. This enables prompt intervention and minimizes the risk of more extensive damage.
- Maintain Optimal Oral Health: Your dentist can assess the health of your gums and teeth surrounding the veneers, ensuring that any issues are addressed promptly to prevent complications.
- Prolonged Veneer Lifespan: Regular cleaning and polishing by your dentist can help remove plaque and stains, keeping your veneers looking their best and extending their lifespan.
- Monitoring Bite and Alignment: Veneers can sometimes affect your bite and alignment over time. Regular check-ups allow your dentist to monitor these changes and make adjustments if necessary.
- Addressing Concerns and Questions: You can address any concerns you have about your veneers with your dentist during regular check-ups. Get expert advice and answers to your questions for a smile you love.
Frequency of Check-Ups:
The recommended frequency of check-ups for dental veneers can vary depending on individual factors such as your oral hygiene habits, overall dental health, and the specific type of veneers used. However, in general, it’s recommended to:
- Schedule check-ups every six months: This is the standard recommendation for most individuals with good oral health.
- Visit your dentist sooner if you experience any problems: Don’t wait until your next scheduled check-up if you notice any chipping, cracking, loosening, or discomfort related to your veneers.
If you have more questions about Dental Veneers, Balmain Dental can provide you the required details and guidance.