The time and financial investment of veneers is one many patients find to be worthwhile, especially once they see their transformation in a mirror. As customized restorations designed for each patient’s smile, they conceal all types of imperfections, leaving behind only a beautifully balanced and natural-looking appearance. If you recently received new veneers, you may be asking what you can do to extend their lifespan and get the most out of them. Keep reading to learn about 3 things you’ll want to incorporate to keep you smiling longer.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene at Home
It’s not enough to have your cosmetic dentist in Weatherford place your veneers, only to assume that you don’t need to maintain good oral hygiene between your appointments. These restorations only cover the front surfaces of teeth, so the rest of your smile remains vulnerable to dental decay, gum disease, and more.
By brushing your teeth at least twice a day with nonabrasive whitening toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush, flossing between your teeth at least once a day, and rinsing with an ADA-approved mouthwash as directed, you can keep bacteria at bay and allow your real teeth and veneers to thrive.
Give Up Your Bad Habits
This may be the hardest post-veneer tip to put into practice, but if you want your new teeth to look and feel great for the full 10-15 years, you’ll need to give up your bad habits. This can include:
- Smoking
- Chewing on pens, pencils, and other inanimate objects
- Eating ice
- Biting your fingernails
- Using your teeth to open packages and containers (using them as tools)
Failing to do so will only put your veneers are risk of significant damage, resulting in costly treatment to fix your smile. Instead, you can finally say goodbye to these habits that have plagued your smile for so long and led to your original decision to pursue veneers.
Keep Your Regularly Scheduled Dental Visits
Even after your veneers are put in place, you still need to see your dentist in Weatherford twice a year or every six months. These regular dental checkups and cleanings allow them to perform a more thorough examination of your teeth, making sure no cavities, decay, or gum disease exist as well as checking for any signs of damage to your veneers.
If we find any problem areas, we will let you know how we plan to proceed. You may require a new veneer or something less invasive (i.e., bonding).
Keeping these visits will allow you to maintain a damage-free and healthier smile throughout the year, which means your veneers will continue to last.
Take care of your investment. By maintaining your veneers, you make the time, money, and effort of improving your appearance worth it. Not only will you appreciate what you see each morning, but you’ll remain confident that your uniquely built set of teeth will last longer.
About the Author
Dr. Thomas Novak earned his dental degree from the University of Illinois College of Dentistry in 1991. After serving in the U.S. Navy Dental Corps for 5 years, he earned “Top Doc” honors. In 1998, he earned a Fellowship with the Academy of General Dentistry and continues to pursue educational courses and training to further his skill set. Leading a team of professionals at his practice in Weatherford, he is pleased to help patients who desire a beautiful, fully transformed smile. Offering veneers, he can conceal all types of flaws while assisting patients with ways to extend the lifespan of their new appearance. If you want to learn how to get the most out of your new veneers, contact us at (817) 594-7302!