can last between 7 and 15 years. But it’s important that you practice good oral hygiene and continue seeing Dr. Nazarian for preventive care. Your dental veneers will last longer when the rest of the mouth is healthy. Seeing our cosmetic dentist in Shelby Township, MI, will help extend the lifespan of your so you can continue smiling with confidence.
Our tips for a healthy smile and long-lasting veneers:
- Brush your teeth twice a day.
- Floss your teeth once a day.
- Swish with a fluoride mouth rinse once a day.
- Control your sweet tooth.
- Don’t chew ice or use your teeth as tools.
- Control bruxism symptoms.
- See Dr. Nazarian at least every six months.
Here’s how to get started.
Brush Your Teeth Twice a Day
You should brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste for at least two minutes. This will give you enough time to clean all your teeth, including those with veneers. Otherwise, you could be leaving behind plaque on your back teeth which are harder to reach. In fact, it’s not uncommon for people to develop cavities in their molars when they rush.
Floss Your Teeth Once a Day
Plaque loves to hide where toothbrush bristles can’t reach. That’s why it’s so important you floss once a day to remove plaque hiding between teeth and along the gum line. Flossing helps prevent cavities from forming between teeth. That way, you can avoid an unpleasant surprise during your appointment with us.
Swish With Fluoride Mouth Rinse Once a Day
If you have porcelain dental veneers, use a fluoride mouth rinse to strengthen your enamel. Using mouth rinse helps wash away any residual plaque or food particles. Our dentist can help you choose a brand that works for you.
Control Your Sweet Tooth
Do your teeth ever feel fuzzy or rough? If so, you may be leaving behind dental plaque on your teeth. Plaque loves to eat sugar and uses it to produce cavity-causing acid. You may especially feel plaque on your teeth after eating sugary foods.
Be sure to check labels in the store since many foods may seem “healthy” but aren’t good for your teeth. For example, some flavors of yogurt can have a lot of sugar. Likewise, sports drinks often contain more sugar than the average person would think.
Limiting sugary foods and drinks will make it easier for you to avoid oral health issues. It’ll also help your last as long as possible.
Don’t Chew Ice or Use Your Teeth as Tools
While porcelain veneers are durable, they’re not invincible. When you chew ice, you’re more likely to chip your veneers and ruin the appearance of your smile. We also recommend you don’t chew popcorn kernels or other foods that could chip your veneers.
You’ll also need to avoid using your teeth as tools. For example, you could damage your veneers while trying to pry off a bottle cap with your teeth.
Control Bruxism Symptoms
Do you grind or clench your teeth at night? If so, you may be experiencing bruxism which can reduce the lifespan of your new porcelain veneers. The best solution is to ask Dr. Nazarian about getting a custom night guard. A night guard is an oral appliance that fits over your upper teeth, creating a barrier that prevents teeth grinding and clenching.
Schedule Routine Teeth Cleanings
You can remove plaque at home but only a skilled dental professional can remove tartar. That’s why we recommend that you have teeth cleanings at least every six months. This gives us the opportunity to remove plaque and tartar.
During your teeth cleaning appointment, we’ll also be able to detect any oral issues before they worsen.
Book a Veneers Consultation
Dr. Ara Nazarian is a reputable , with years of experience. To request an appointment, please call the Premier Dental Center at (248) 457-0500. You may also fill out our online contact form and someone from our team will reach out to you soon.
This blog post has been updated.