Tips For Caring For Your Porcelain Dental Veneers

Porcelain veneers are thin shells that are placed over natural teeth to correct the appearance of a smile. Opting for veneers is a great choice if you have severely stained teeth or your teeth are misshaped, chipped, cracked, or misaligned. Veneers can instantly transform problematic teeth into a bright, beautiful smile. If you are interested in veneers, you should see an experienced cosmetic dentist. Getting veneers requires a significant financial investment, so you are sure to want your new veneers to last for as long as possible. Use the following tips to take care of your dental veneers:

Buy the Right Toothbrush

While veneers are made of porcelain and are not prone to decay like natural teeth, regular teeth brushing is still essential. You need to continue to brush your teeth in the morning and the evening, and it is important to use the appropriate type of toothbrush. When shopping for a new toothbrush, it is in your best interest to avoid those with hard bristles. Using a toothbrush with hard bristles can damage the surface of your veneers over time. Your best bet is to only use toothbrushes that have soft bristles. 

Pay Attention to the Toothpaste That You Use

After you get veneers, you will need to pay careful attention to the type of toothpaste that you use. It is best to avoid toothpastes that contain hydrogen peroxide or baking soda. Hydrogen peroxide can break down the surface of your veneers, and the baking soda can take away the natural color and sheen of the veneers. Hydrogen peroxide and baking soda are often found in whitening toothpastes, which you do not need to use if you have veneers. It is often recommended that people with veneers use gel toothpastes that are gentle on the surface of their veneers.

Be Mindful of What You Eat

Veneers are bonded to your teeth with a very strong adhesive, but you should still be careful while you are eating. Take special care when eating hard or crunchy foods, such as raw carrots, nuts, or bone-in meats. You should also be careful about eating highly acidic foods, as the acid can damage the surface of your veneers. If you consume highly acidic foods, it is best to brush your teeth as soon as possible afterwards. If brushing your teeth is not possible, use mouthwash or rinse with water to prevent the acid from sitting on the surface of your veneers.