You’ve probably heard that cosmetic veneers can transform your appearance. From stained and dull teeth to crooked or chipped ones, this cosmetic procedure can conceal a host of smile flaws and produce a smile that rivals the appearance of well-known celebrities. Cosmetic veneers are surprisingly low maintenance, too. For the most part, all you need to do is brush thoroughly twice a day and floss once per day.
How Cosmetic Veneers Work
Before delving into a few important considerations regarding cosmetic veneers, it’s important to have a basic understanding of this treatment option. Veneers are a micro-thin tooth-shaped cosmetic enhancement. They are permanently bonded to the front surfaces of teeth.
Constructed from porcelain, each veneer is custom made to correspond to a specific tooth. Once they are placed, porcelain veneers can conceal everything from chips, cracks, stains, and irregularly-shaped teeth. Bonding multiple veneers can give the illusion of a straight smile, too.
Caring for Porcelain Veneers
For the most part, veneers are pretty tough. They can stand up to the daily forces of oral function. They aren’t indestructible, though. Twisting motions and biting down on objects like pen caps and ice cubes could damage your veneers. Another issue to look out for is bruxism (teeth grinding). If you clench and grind your teeth, discuss this with our prosthodontist. You might need to wear a special night guard to protect your teeth while you sleep.
Cosmetic veneers are also stain-resistant but can dull over time if you drink dark-colored beverages or smoke cigarettes. We recommend drinking dark beverages with a straw.
As far as oral hygiene, following the ADA’s basic recommendations is very important. Twice-daily brushing and once-daily flossing will help protect natural tooth structure beneath veneers and your gums from common oral disease. Be sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle circular motions to clean your teeth. You should also avoid abrasive toothpastes to keep your veneers in top shape.
If you have questions about cosmetic veneers, call Dakota Prosthodontics and Implant Center to schedule a smile makeover consultation with our prosthodontist.
