Now that you’ve improved your beautiful smile with the help of durable, lifelike veneers, you’re probably curious about the best way to take care of these incredible restorations. Although they don’t require any special effort to maintain, you still may need to make a few important changes to your oral hygiene routine, namely your choice of toothpaste. Here’s a closer look at some of the best types to try when looking to maintain your gorgeous new grin, and two kinds you should definitely avoid!
Brushing Up: How to Care for Your New Veneers
The good news about veneers is that they really don’t need anything special to keep looking as good as the day you got them. Simply brush them twice a day and floss daily, just as you would your untreated teeth. However, when it comes to veneers, the paste and brush you use are often just as important as the act of brushing them!
That’s because since they’re made of porcelain or composite resin, it is still possible for your veneers to become scratched. This is why your dentist recommends using a soft-bristled toothbrush. These are available online and anywhere toothbrushes are sold and will not damage your prosthetics accidentally as you clean them.
Furthermore, the toothpaste you use is also extremely important. Your dentist suggests sticking to a gel formula that contains fluoride to further minimize the risk of scratching.
What Not to Use
Because your new veneers are stain resistant, they should remain looking white and bright for up to 20 years before you need to replace them. In the meantime, however, you should still brush them regularly to keep them clean. Because they are made of manmade materials and do not have tiny pores like your real teeth do, products like whitening pastes do not have any effect on them and could even damage them. Thus, avoid any products in this category, as well as those with abrasive ingredients like baking soda or charcoal that could permanently ruin their finish.
Other Tips for a Long-Lasting Smile
In addition to regular brushing and flossing, you can keep your veneers safe by visiting your dentist every six months for your regular checkups and cleanings and avoid eating any foods that are too hard or sticky, such as hard candies, ice cubes, taffy, and caramels. Furthermore, because alcohol can erode the cement holding your veneers to your teeth, be sure to limit your consumption of this type of beverage.
Finally, although they’re stain resistant, they’re not completely stain proof, so be sure to brush well or rinse your mouth after eating or drinking anything dark like coffee, red wine, or chocolate, and don’t smoke or vape, as these can damage your restorations and your health!
With these products and practices, your veneers should remain looking and feeling their best for up to 20 years, giving you the gorgeous, glowing grin you deserve in one convenient treatment!
About Our Practice
At Morgan Hill Dental Care, our team of caring and talented dentists wants to give you the smile you’ve been dreaming of. To learn more about veneers and all the amazing things they can do to improve your gorgeous grin, schedule a consultation for cosmetic dentistry today by visiting our website or calling 408-778-4838.