Veneers come in handy for someone looking to improve their smile, especially if their teeth are chipped, malformed, or very discolored. The good thing about them is that they have the natural look of teeth, and with the help of experts like Lowenberg Lituchy & Kantor, they can get installed in only two visits.
On average, dental veneers last for about a decade. However, if you take excellent care of them, they can last for longer than that. Below are some of the best practices that can prolong the lifespan of your dental veneers.
Use the Right Toothbrush and Toothpaste
Although dental veneers are stain resistant, it’s important not to abandon your oral hygiene habits– ensure that you brush your teeth and the veneers twice a day. While at it, ensure that you are working with the right toothbrush. The toothbrush should have soft bristles, whether it is manual or electric.
You also need to pick the right toothpaste. Ensure that the toothpaste does not contain gritty ingredients like charcoal and baking soda. It is also good practice to floss daily.
By upholding your dental hygiene habits, your veneers will keep their shine and color for longer. Besides, the teeth below the veneers will remain healthy, which is incredibly important when it comes to the longevity of veneers.
Avoid Certain Foods
Most people wonder whether veneers come in the way of their diet. Although veneers are incredibly robust and durable, some foods can damage them. However, most foods in daily consumption are pretty safe. Some foods you should avoid include tough meats, hard foods like candy, and sticky foods like caramels and taffy. It would be best to avoid pigmented drinks, like red wine and cola.
As long as you are careful with the foods mentioned above, you can eat almost anything else. Keep in mind that although veneers are durable, the bonding agent might not be as durable.
Quit Smoking
Smoking is a habit known to have several harmful consequences, among them is staining the teeth. Therefore, veneers are an excellent option for smokers since they can tremendously improve the overall appearance of the teeth.
However, continuing to smoke even after getting veneers is not a good idea. Cigarette smoke leaves behind tar that stains the bonding agent. They also contain nicotine, and although it’s colorless, it turns yellow when exposed to the air. Although veneers are stain-resistant, a stained bonding material will compromise the appearance of the teeth.
Besides, smoking increases the risk of dental complications, like gum disease. Although the condition is treatable, that would mean removing the veneers, especially if the infection is present in the teeth.
Address Bruxism
Bruxism is when an individual gnashes, clenches, or grinds their teeth unconsciously. Notably, veneers are suitable even for people who grind their teeth. However, they can chip, crack or loosen due to the constant pressure. In the worst-case scenario, they can fall off.
If you grind your teeth, it would be a good idea to talk to the dentist so that they can talk to you about treatment options to protect your veneers. For instance, they might recommend a mouthguard that you can wear at night. Alternatively, they can recommend a relaxation technique to reduce stress since bruxism can be psychological.
On that note, wearing a mouthguard would also be a good idea if you play a contact sport. That will protect your veneers from chipping or breaking.
Don’t Use your Teeth as Tools
Typically, veneers don’t break easily. However, too much pressure can cause chipping or cracking. Therefore, you should avoid doing things that exert excess pressure on your veneers. These include loosening knots and popping lids from bottles. Besides compromising the strength of your veneers, using your teeth as tools is a sure way to attract germs into your mouth.
Avoid Chewing on Things
Do you have the habit of chewing on things like pens or fingernails mindlessly? If you would like to extend the life span of your veneers, it would be a good idea to stop doing that. Otherwise, you run the risk of damaging your veneers.
Visit the Dentist Regularly
Veneers present a new start with a better smile. However, they don’t negate the need for regular dental checkups. Follow-up appointments are essential—the dentist will check to see how the veneer is settling in. But even after they have settled in perfectly, don’t skip the six-month check-ups with your dentist.
Does the Type of Veneers Affect the Life Span?
The most common types of veneers are porcelain and composite veneers. Both these types are created custom for each patient. However, they vary in longevity. Composite veneers have an average lifespan of three years. Even with the best maintenance, they might not last that much longer.
On the other hand, porcelain veneers have an average lifespan of 10 years. But with proper care and maintenance, they can last for up to two decades. Therefore, the type of veneers you pick matters if you want them to last longer than a decade. Be sure to discuss each type’s pros and cons with your dentist.
