If you have had veneers placed, you know they are one of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments because they are a versatile and cost-effective way to achieve a perfect smile.
By the time we were teens and had all our permanent teeth, many of us were embarrassed by our crooked bites and had them corrected with braces.
Gaps Between Teeth
But we may have found that we still had gaps between teeth, while others were misshapen compared with their neighbors so that we were embarrassed to flash a full smile. Or we might have been in an accident that caused some teeth to become chipped or cracked.
Food Habits
And most people have consumed a lot of beverages that deeply stain teeth, such as coffee, tea, colored sodas, and red wine. Many are also not aware that even dark foods can discolor teeth, like most berries and tomatoes. So does smoking and some medications have this side effect.
While veneers resist staining, tip No. 1 for extending the longevity of yours (which with care can last 10-15 years) is to avoid highly-pigmented food and beverages (use a straw to minimize the impact of drinks or wash out your mouth with water, which will also help avoid discoloring the teeth on which the veneers are attached and the neighboring ones).
Second, reduce the amount of sugar and refined carbohydrates (such as white bread, pasta, and rice) in your diet because these produce acids that erode enamel, the hard outer layer of teeth.
Third, eat a diet rich in calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D and take supplements if your doctor or dentist believes they will strengthen all your bones (another mineral, phosphorus, also helps, but American diets generally have plenty).
Fourth, avoid eating hard foods, such as candies and nuts, while cutting apples and celery into smaller pieces. Also, do not bite your nails, chew on pens, or pull clothing on with teeth, since all these actions can cause veneers to pop off or become damaged.
Brush and Floss Consistently
Fifth, continue to brush and floss for two minutes twice a day to maintain your periodontal health and have your hygienist do a professional cleaning at least twice a year.
Finally, be sure to have your CITIDental Boston dentist do an oral examination twice a year because in six months a veneer might become loose, a small crack might become a fracture, and teeth may need whitening so they match the color of your veneers. Call today to set an appointment if you have not had an exam recently.