Veneer Care – What You Need to Know

One of the easiest ways to dress up a smile and take away the look of stained, damaged teeth is with veneers. Dr. Carlos Rodriguez, DMD, wants his Tucson, AZ, dental patients to know how to properly care for veneers if they have them.

1. Visit the Dentist Regularly

Veneers need regular cleanings, just like natural teeth. Keep up with your six-month dental checks to ensure all is well with these cosmetic dental additions. At these checkups, your Tucson dentist can check for signs of wear and tear while also professionally cleaning the veneers.

2. Avoid Hard Foods

Hard, particularly sticky foods can damage or loosen your veneers. Avoid these. Talk to your dentist about what you should and should not eat after you have veneers applied. Don’t chew on bones or ice when eating, and avoid chewing on pens and other hard things when you aren’t eating.

3. Brush and Floss

You need to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss on a daily basis. Any food particles that get trapped between the teeth can create serious problems for veneers. Using an antiseptic mouthwash can also help, but choose one without alcohol to protect your teeth.

4. Don’t Grind

If you’re prone to teeth grinding, take measures to stop this behavior. Grinding can damage both your natural teeth and your veneers. Your dentist can prescribe a mouthguard that can stop this behavior and prevent unnecessary and unwanted pressure from the teeth.

5. Protect from Stains

Finally, know that veneers can get stained, and these stains are harder to bleach than stains on your natural teeth. Avoid smoking at all costs, and brush carefully after eating or drinking things that can stain, such as berries, coffee, and cola.

Veneers can be an excellent way to give your smile a new life, but they require proper care. For more information about veneers or how to care for them, contact Dr. Carlos Rodrigeuz, DMD, your dentist in Tucson.