If you’re looking for a way to whiten your teeth and make minor adjustments to their shape and size, veneers can help. These thin porcelain shells are custom molded to fit your teeth and attached with durable dental cement. The result is a beautiful, whiter, even-looking smile that can last for 15 to 20 years with proper maintenance. They can even resist staining and require no special care beyond using a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste.
But despite these benefits, there are still some things they can’t do. For example, they can’t prevent cavities. In fact, with veneers, your teeth can often be more vulnerable to cavities because in order to attach them, your dentist must remove a thin layer of enamel from each treated tooth.
Here’s how to protect your smile when you’ve made the investment in veneers.
How To Protect Your Teeth with Veneers
Though they are durable and resistant to stains, veneers require you to take good care of your teeth. You should still brush twice a day and floss at least once a day, and you should always attend your regular, semi-annual dental exams.
Furthermore, you should be careful not to use your teeth for anything besides food. Don’t crunch ice, bite your fingernails, chew your pen, or use them to tear open packaging.
You should not need to modify your diet with veneers; however, they still can stain if you aren’t careful. Thus, you should limit your consumption of dark colored foods and beverages, and you should never, ever smoke.
What if I Get a Cavity Under My Veneer?
While it is rare to get a cavity underneath a veneer, it does happen. If this occurs, your dentist will need to remove the veneer to treat the cavity. At that point, your current veneer can either be reattached or you may need to have a new one made.
Remember, veneers create a long-lasting beautiful smile, but you still need to take care of your teeth when you have them. Thankfully, with just a little bit of effort, you’ll be able to enjoy your gorgeous teeth for years to come!
About Our Practice
At Hamilton Lakes Dentistry, our team of skilled dentists want to help you craft a smile you can be proud of. We use cutting-edge techniques and are pleased to handle even the most complex cases.
If you’re interested in learning more about your cosmetic dentistry options, we’re happy to help. To schedule an appointment, please visit our website or call us at 630-394-5567.