Veneers are an incredible cosmetic solution to a wide range of dental imperfections. They are easy to maintain, completely personalized, stain-resistant, and can last for 10 or more years with proper care. Although there are ways to make veneers affordable, and they are well worth the cost, they are still an investment. So, it’s important you make the most of your veneers and maintain your results for as long as possible. Here’s how you can extend the life of your newly transformed smile.
Aren’t Veneers Permanent?
You may have heard that veneers are a permanent cosmetic solution. While this is true, they aren’t designed to last forever.
To elaborate, the procedure to receive veneers requires a tiny bit of tooth enamel to be removed so the restoration can lay flush to and blend in with the rest of your natural teeth. Because the process cannot be reversed, veneers are considered permanent.
That being said, veneers are, while long-lasting, temporary, as they will eventually experience wear and tear. After about 10 to 15 years, you will need to undergo treatment for replacement veneers.
How to Extend the Life of Your Veneers
Here are some tips to help you keep your new smile for the next 10 years or more:
- Practice good oral hygiene. Despite the fact that veneers are cavity-resilient, brushing and flossing twice a day and rinsing regularly are still very important to maintaining your new pearly whites.
- Swap your toothpaste. Using a non-abrasive toothpaste will ensure your veneers don’t sustain any damage from brushing.
- Adjust your diet. Avoid hard foods that could break your veneers. Even though veneers are stain-resistant, you should avoid foods and drinks that can cause discoloration to the bonding agent keeping them in place. Additionally, you should avoid eating too much sugar and starch, because you can still get tooth decay or gum disease while wearing veneers.
- Kick unhealthy habits. Don’t chew ice, bite your fingernails, smoke, or use your teeth as tools to open packages.
- Get a custom mouthguard. Wearing a protective mouthguard while playing sports or while you sleep can prevent mouth injuries or teeth grinding from damaging your veneers.
By following the above tips, you’re sure to make your new smile last for years to come!
About the Author
At Zhang Dental Group of Tustin, Dr. Michael Zhang can make your dream smile a reality. Dr. Zhang believes in patient-focused care and uses his expertise to provide 5-star dentistry. His practice offers veneers as a cosmetic dentistry procedure that can seamlessly conceal multiple dental imperfections in as few as two appointments. If you’re looking for a long-lasting, durable, and lifelike smile makeover, contact Dr. Zhang through his website or by phone at (714) 465-5589.