Dental veneers—porcelain restorations that transform teeth—can take your smile from dull to dazzling. Many patients can achieve results with dental veneers in only two or three appointments—but what happens after the veneers are placed? Today I’m going to tell you what our Saint Louis cosmetic dentists suggest you do to keep your veneers looking and feeling great
Dental veneers are naturally white and stain-resistant. When your veneers are crafted, they’ll be shaded and colored to enhance your smile and blend with your natural teeth. It’s important for you to undergo any teeth whitening treatments before you have your veneers placed. Because porcelain is not whitened with teeth whitening treatments, your veneers will need to be crafted to match your post-whitening smile.
In order to then maintain your white veneers, you should try to avoid staining substances like coffee, red wine, and tobacco products. Porcelain is stain resistant—this will help you maintain your luminous smile—but they can still discolor over time.
To minimize staining and keep your mouth healthy, you should care for your veneers as you care for natural teeth. Brush twice a day, floss at least once a day, and rinse your mouth with water after eating. If you’re using an products to treat specific dental problems, check with your dentist to make sure that these products are appropriate for veneers.
If you find that you’re grinding or clenching your teeth regularly, seek treatment from your dentist. This habit can weaken dental veneers as well as natural dental enamel.
In general, caring for dental veneers is the same as caring for natural teeth. Keep your veneers and gum tissue healthy and as plaque-free as possible to extend the life of your veneers. To learn more about cosmetic treatments and dental veneers specifically, give our Saint Louis cosmetic dental office a call.