Veneers are a popular cosmetic dental treatment that can improve the appearance of your teeth. They are thin, custom-made shells that are bonded to the front of your teeth, creating a natural-looking, beautiful smile. If you have veneers, it’s important to take good care of them to ensure they last as long as possible.
Flossing with Veneers
Flossing is essential to any oral hygiene routine, but it can be tricky to floss with veneers. To floss around your veneers, use a waxed floss and be gentle. Gently slide the floss up and down between your teeth, taking care not to pull too hard or snap the floss against your veneers. You may also want to use a water flosser or interdental brush to clean between your teeth and around your veneers.
Other Care Tips for Veneers
While flossing is vital to your oral health, there are additional ways to care for your veneers.
Brush Twice a Day
Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste. Be gentle when brushing around your veneers, taking care not to brush too hard or use a toothbrush with abrasive bristles.
Use a Non-Abrasive Toothpaste
Avoid using toothpaste with abrasive ingredients like baking soda. This is because these can scratch the surface of your veneers. As a result, your veneers won’t last as long, and it is possible you may introduce more bacteria to your mouth.
Avoid Chewing on Hard Objects
Chewing on hard objects like ice or hard candy can damage your veneers or even cause them to come loose. For example, you may chew on a pen and crack one of your veneers.
Wear a Mouthguard
If you play sports or grind your teeth at night, wearing a mouthguard can help protect your veneers and your natural teeth. The soft material will provide cushion to your veneers.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
It’s important to visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings to ensure your veneers and natural teeth stay healthy. If there is something wrong with your veneers, your dentist can fix it promptly.
Benefits of Veneers
Veneers can help improve the appearance of your teeth in several ways.
Cover stained or discolored teeth: If you have stained or discolored teeth, you can use veneers to cover the teeth, giving you a brighter, more youthful smile.
Fix chipped or broken teeth: You can also utilize veneers to cover chipped or broken teeth. This will help restore their appearance and protect them from further damage.
Close gaps between teeth: Veneers can also close gaps between teeth, giving you a more even, symmetrical smile.
Correct the appearance of crooked teeth: Finally, your dentist may recommend veneers to correct the appearance of slightly crooked teeth. This can give you a straighter, more uniform smile.
Veneers are a great way to improve the appearance of your teeth, but it’s important to take good care of them to ensure they last as long as possible. With proper care, your veneers can provide you with a beautiful, natural-looking smile for many years to come.