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Posted on 8/23/2015 by Thomas Mahar |
Veneers are porcelain coatings on teeth used to improve appearance and protect from surface stains. They're a great idea for many people who aim for a brighter, more pleasant looking smile. However, they still require proper care and maintenance, different than that of normal teeth. One of the major differences post-treatment is knowing whether you have temporary or permanent veneers. Don't eat the wrong foods and damage your new teeth. With temporary veneers, they can be damaged easily, especially in the first days placed. You cannot eat foods that are hard, such as candies, apples, popcorn, sticky foods, or staining drinks. Apples should be cut into pieces and chewed with the back teeth to avoid damage. With permanent veneers, try to avoid dark liquids, hard foods, and frequent alcohol and tobacco use. Eating the proper foods will help maintain your veneers and keep them free of damage or misplacement. While veneers rarely stain, and do not stain easily, that doesn't mean discoloration cannot happen. Staining under veneers can happen quite easily without proper care. Don't believe your teeth are now invincible. Sometimes, albeit rarely, staining can be caused by the cement used to fix veneers to the teeth. But it is most commonly caused by poor oral hygiene and an improper diet. It is recommended to avoid staining liquids and tobacco. If they do darken or discolor, whitening bleach can be applied to the back of the teeth to bleach the teeth underneath the veneers. To help maintain veneers, do not use an abrasive toothpaste. You can continue to floss and brush just as you would with normal teeth, but be conscious of how much you may be scratching away at the glazed surface of the veneers. Daily flossing and brushing will also keep your teeth clean and free of bacteria. Also, if you grind your teeth during sleep, think of getting a guard to prevent any fracturing of the veneers/teeth. With proper knowledge, one can avoid these common mistakes to keep their veneers and teeth looking shiny and new and will help the procedure last and be worth it. Please contact us if you have any questions about your dental veneers. |