If you’re unhappy with your smile, you may have considered dental veneers. Veneers are a popular way to improve the look of your teeth and can fix many imperfections. Veneers are commonly made of porcelain, which is a durable material that can last for many years if you take care of them properly. In this blog post, we will take a deeper look at veneers and discuss how to keep your veneers white and looking their best!
What are Veneers?
Veneers are wafer-thin shells of porcelain that are bonded to the front of your teeth. In some cases, veneers can also be made using composite resin. They are custom made to match the color and shape of your natural teeth. Veneers can be used to fix many different imperfections, such as:
- Gaps between teeth
- Crooked or misshapen teeth
- Discoloration or staining
- Worn down teeth
- Chips or cracks in teeth
If you are considering dental veneers, your dentist will likely do a thorough examination of your teeth to see if they are a good candidate for this procedure. If you are a good candidate, your dentist will remove a thin layer of enamel from the teeth and take a dental impression. This impression will be sent to a dental lab, where your veneers will be custom made. Once your veneers are ready, your dentist will bond them to the front of your teeth.
How to Keep Your Veneers White
Once you have gotten dental veneers, you want to do everything you can to keep them white and looking their best. Here are some tips for how to keep your veneers white:
- Good Oral Hygiene: One of the easiest ways to care for your veneers is to practice good oral hygiene. Be sure to brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily to remove excess plaque and bacteria from your mouth. This will prevent colored pigments from collecting in the plaque and making your veneers look dull.
- Schedule Regular Teeth Cleanings: Even if you take good care of your teeth at home, it’s important to have them professionally cleaned on a regular basis. During a professional teeth cleaning, which happens every six months, your dentist will remove any plaque or tartar that has built up on your teeth. This will help to keep your veneers looking shiny and new. It is important to note that tartar can only be removed by a dentist since it is plaque that has hardened in place.
- Minimize Drinking Certain Beverages: While veneers are resistant to staining, there are some beverages that can cause them to discolor over time. Coffee, dark sodas, tea, and red wine are all culprits when it comes to staining teeth. If you do drink these beverages, be sure to rinse and/or brush your teeth soon afterwards. You can also try using a straw to minimize contact between the beverage and your teeth.
- Use a Soft Bristled Toothbrush: When you are brushing your teeth, be sure to use a toothbrush with soft bristles. This will help to avoid scratching or damaging your veneers. You also want to avoid brushing too hard, since this can also cause damage to the veneers, as well as your gums.
- Wear a Night Guard: If you grind your teeth at night, it’s important to wear a night guard while you sleep. This will help to protect your veneers from being damaged by the grinding. Night guards are also a good idea if you have a history of clenching your teeth during the day.
By following these tips, you can keep your veneers looking white and bright for many years to come! If you have any questions about how to care for your veneers, be sure to ask your dentist. They will be happy to give you more tips for how to keep your smile looking its best. Thanks for reading!
