How to Protect Your Dental Veneers
If you have recently had dental veneers fitted, it is important that you take care of them and protect them from damage. By being careful about what you expose your new veneers to, you can ensure that your smile will look wonderful for years to come.
Dental products that can damage your veneers
In an effort to protect your veneers, you may be tempted to use a range of dental products to keep them clean and bright. However, although it may sound counter-intuitive, some dental products can actually cause damage to your veneers.
If you use a toothbrush with very hard bristles or an abrasive toothpaste which is designed to whiten your teeth, you may slowly destroy the adhesive that holds your veneers in place. To help protect yourself from this damage, you should invest in a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste.
While using mouthwash is good for your dental health, it can be disastrous for your veneers. Mouthwash that contains alcohol can dissolve the adhesive bond. If you still wish to use mouthwash after you have been fitted with veneers, you should look for non-alcoholic brands. Your dentist will be able to advise you of a suitable type of mouthwash.
Substances that can cause staining to your veneers
There is a range of food and drink which can cause staining on the surface of your new veneers. If you have recently had veneers fitted, you should avoid the following foods:
- Soy sauce
- Beets
- Tea
- Coffee
- Red Wine
You should also avoid smoking. The tar and other chemicals contained in cigarette smoke can quickly cause veneers to become yellow.
Procedures which can damage your veneers
While you should continue to visit your dentist to have your teeth regularly checked and cleaned, if you visit a new dentist who you have not previously received treatment from, it is important that you mention the fact that you have had veneers fitted. Because dental veneers look remarkably similar to natural teeth, a dentist who is unfamiliar with your mouth may not immediately spot them. Once a dentist is aware of where the veneers are located within your mouth, they will take extra care when cleaning these areas.
If you have any questions or concerns about how to best care for your new veneers, you should book an appointment with a cosmetic dentist. They will be able to offer further advice and help for your situation.