Dental veneers can take a smile with extensive flaws like chips, cracks, gaps, and stains and transform it into a shiny and shapely new state. They are a popular treatment for celebrities, so you’ve probably seen the results in countless movies and TV shows. Since veneers are made out of porcelain, some patients might wonder if they won’t need to worry so much about dental hygiene after getting them. Here’s why taking proper care of your teeth is still important after receiving dental veneers.
Can Dental Veneers Get Cavities?
Since dental veneers are made out of porcelain, they cannot develop cavities. However, they are cemented to real teeth that are still vulnerable to oral infections. Without proper dental care, these teeth will develop cavities, and treating them will probably involve the removal of the veneers. This will require that a new veneer be placed afterward, which can be a time-consuming and expensive setback.
How Can I Take Proper Care of My Veneers?
The good news is that caring for your dental veneers is basically the same thing as caring for your natural teeth. A proper oral hygiene routine includes:
- Brushing: You should brush your teeth as well as your gums, tongue, lips, cheeks, and palate for two minutes at least twice a day. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush, fluoride toothpaste, and short, gentle, circular strokes to eliminate plaque and food debris.
- Flossing: Flossing is every bit as crucial for your dental health as brushing. Cut off a length of floss and slide it between two teeth. Use it to scrub either tooth, slide it out, and clean the next pair of teeth using a clean section of floss. Repeat until all the spaces between teeth in your mouth have been treated.
- Antibacterial mouthwash: Dentists recommend rinsing with antibacterial mouthwash because it can kill more than 99% of the germs that cause tooth decay and gum disease while also leaving your mouth with a clean, minty feeling.
- Regular dentist appointments: Seeing your dentist regularly allows your smile to be cleaned and inspected by a trained professional. This can catch issues in their early stages before they can become big problems.
Dental veneers represent a significant investment in both time and money, so it’s important to take excellent care of them. If you take these tips to heart, your veneers can last for decades before needing replacement.
About the Author
Dr. Jason Daaboul earned his dental degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Dental School and completes dozens of hours of continuing education courses every year. He serves as a proud member of the American Dental Association, the Texas Dental Association, the Fort Worth Dental Society, and the American Academy of Clear Aligners. His office in Grapevine, TX offers general, restorative, emergency, and cosmetic dentistry such as dental veneers. For more information on caring for your veneers, contact his office online or dial (817) 646-1009.