When it comes to improving your smile, dental veneers are a popular cosmetic treatment option. Crafted from medical-grade ceramic, these thin (but strong) shells adhere to the front teeth surfaces to conceal chips, cracks, discoloration, and other aesthetic flaws. If you have porcelain veneers – or if you’re considering this option – you’ll want to protect your investment. Here, Dr. Abbey Lee, your Grant Park dentist – offers a few tips and tricks for proper care and maintenance.

Want to know if dental veneers are right for you? Schedule a consultation at our Grant Park office. Call us today at 404-328-7177.

Care and Maintenance Tips for Dental Veneers

#1: Brush and floss properly.

Fortunately, dental veneers don’t require a lot of added maintenance. But you’ll still need to brush and floss them correctly, just like you would your natural teeth. Patients should brush two to three times a day, preferably after every meal. Floss once daily to remove plaque and tartar deposits between the teeth. Remember, even though veneers can’t decay, the tooth structure underneath them can – so it’s important to maintain healthy habits.

#2: Visit your Grant Park dentist regularly.

Brushing and flossing helps keep your teeth and gums healthy. But over time, oral bacteria repopulate. Every few months, a professional cleaning is necessary to keep harmful microbes at bay. Many patients benefit from six-month cleanings, but some may need more frequent visits.

#3: Choose the right toothpaste.

Some kinds of toothpaste can be too abrasive for dental veneers. Keep an eye out for ingredients like hydrogen peroxide and baking soda, which can do more harm than good. Non-abrasive gel pastes are typically a good option. Talk to your Grant Park dental team about product recommendations.

#4: Choose the right toothbrush.

Medium and hard toothbrushes tend to damage the gums and the natural tooth enamel. Always choose a soft-bristled toothbrush, which can clean the teeth effectively without compromising oral health.

#5: Consider a sports mouth guard.

Patients of all ages who play contact sports should seriously consider wearing a mouth guard. These devices cushion and protect your dental veneers (and natural teeth) from trauma on the court or field. Sports mouth guards can be purchased at any store. However, you may wish to have a custom one made at our Grant Park office.

#6: Address any bruxism issues.

Chronic teeth grinding or clenching can wreak havoc on dental veneers and cause them to chip or break. If you suffer from bruxism, it’s important to ask your dentist about treatment options. The most common treatment is a custom oral appliance, which can protect your teeth and restorations from excessive pressure.

#7: Be mindful about your dietary choices.

For the most part, you won’t need to alter your diet after having dental veneers placed. However, we recommend avoiding extremely hard, crunchy, or sticky foods, which can damage or dislodge your restorations. In addition, consume sugary drinks in moderation, and choose water more often. 

#8: Don’t use your teeth as tools.

It can be tempting to use your teeth or dental veneers to bite or tear non-food items. This includes things like tearing clothing tags off, grooming your nails, and other similar behaviors. This can seriously damage your smile. Take steps to break these habits.

Learn More about Dental Veneers in Grant Park

If cosmetic imperfections are detracting from your smile, dental veneers could be an option for you. To learn more, schedule a visit with Dr. Lee at Smiles 4 Grant Park. Contact us online or call us at 404-328-7177.