Ever wondered why your favourite celebrities and models have that stunning smile that sustains your admiration? Well, most of them have improved their smiles with the power of porcelain veneers! Yes, veneers are so widely used that people now get straighter and whiter teeth than ever. They may be a little expensive but are definitely worth the money since the results are impressive, especially when you take very good care of them.
What are veneers?
These are customised thin shells made from porcelain or composite resin materials, used to cover the front teeth. Veneers providea solution to various teeth problems like stained teeth, gapped teeth, misaligned teeth, worn-down, or chipped teeth.
Unlike dental bonding, veneers do not break easily, plus they have a very natural appearance. In comparison to other teeth solutions like dentures, veneers tend to look sparkling white. But there is a downside to this unique characteristic: they are stain-resistant and look very obvious in the midst of naturallydiscoloured teeth anytime.
So, now you know what veneers are, how do you care for them?
You don’t need a special procedure to maintain your pricey veneers. Yeah, since they are natural looking, they need just the right amount of natural care. With these guidelines, you can easily care for your veneers:
- Keep your veneers clean – Give your veneers the same care you give to your teeth. Practice good oral hygiene by brushing your teeth at least two times a day. Flossing once a day is also great! In the absence of good dental hygiene, gum disease can set in and cause your gum to recede. This will expose the borders of your veneers and make them vulnerable to debonding or chipping.
- Use the correct toothpaste – There are ingredients in certain brands of toothpaste that scream ‘harsh’! And they really are harmful to your veneers and teeth. Be careful when selecting a toothpaste and avoid those containing ingredients like hydrogen peroxide and sodium bicarbonate. Why? Hydrogen peroxide will gradually destroy the surface of your veneers, while sodium bicarbonate can fade off the veneers’ glossy appearance. Generally, getting gel products is a better option than products in paste form, since they do not contain any of the harsh ingredients. Disregard any feeling of compulsion to purchase whitening toothpaste; they’re unnecessary and could endanger your veneers. For more advice and information concerning porcelain veneers in Harley Street London, feel free to contact us.
- Avoid biting into hard substances – While it is true that we use our teeth for eating and sometimes opening packages and bottles, the latter is dangerous to your teeth and veneers. Strong objects like glass bottles and metal caps can chip your veneers. Habits like biting your nail, ends of pencils, pens, and chewing ice should stop as they pose a threat to your porcelain.
- Mind what you eat – As much as you should avoid biting hard objects, do the same for hard food like raw apples and carrots, and meat containing bone. Don’t eat tough foods. Avoid eating too much food as well, especially sugary or acidic foods. These foods impact the growth of bacteria that causes tooth decay and are harmful to your veneers. Take care to stay away from starchy and sweet foods like bread, crackers, candies, and pastas. Sugary drinks like fruit juice, soda, and others should not be consumed. Do not keep acidic fruits like citrus and lemon inside your mouth for too long. Lastly, veneers may not get stained easily, but they do get stained, so avoid food with so much colouring.
- Reduce your alcohol intake – The composite bonding keeping your veneers attached to your teeth will soften from too much alcohol consumption. Actually, your veneers will not fall off, but it will expose the bonding line to stains and deterioration.Scrutinise the toothpaste or mouthwash you buy as they may contain alcohol which can damage your teeth like alcoholic beverages.
- Control bruxism (teeth grinding) – Certain people find it hard to control this habit. Should you be in the habit of grinding your teeth during sleep, consult your doctor for help. They might recommend you wear a mouth guard at night. Veneers get damaged from bruxism; taking care of this problem will significantly contribute to caring for your porcelain. Bear in mind that it’s all about getting optimum results from your veneers and doing the needful.
- Use the right toothbrush – Make the most out of brushing your teeth with the correct toothbrush. You must choose the correct toothbrush as brushing your teeth enhances your oral health and veneers’ lifespan. Select a toothbrush with soft bristles since the one with hard bristles can scratch the surface of your porcelain.
- Protect your mouth – If you use veneers and participate in contact sports like wrestling, boxing, etc., you should protect your veneers. These games expose your mouth to powerful forces, but with a mouth guard on, the impact will be less, and your veneers will be safe.
- Go for routine dental checkups – This is vital. The reason is two-fold. First, your dentist can identify impending mouth and gum infections that can harm the efficacy of your veneers. The second reason is they can fix any dental issue before it becomes severe like cracks, chips, or deteriorating composite bonds. A biannual dental visit is a great idea.
Veneers are very effective in enhancing the quality and appearance of your smile. They may be quite expensive to purchase, but it doesn’t end at just getting them. Caring and maintaining your veneers is a necessary know-how to get the best out of them.
Remember that veneers are not permanent, and just like every other thing, they won’t be forever. After a period of usage, you will need to replace them. Consult your dentist to know when replacement is due, or whether another solution is needed. Don’t have a dentist? Contact our dentists at Smile Works Dental in Harley Street on 020 71834091.
