Nowadays we pay a lot of attention to our image, being veneers one of the most demanded treatments in dental esthetics.
However, in order for veneers to remain in perfect condition for as long as possible, it is important to follow certain habits.
How to make dental veneers last as long as possible?
There are a series of habits to follow and others to avoid if we want dental veneers to last as long as possible:
- Dental hygiene. Cleanliness is basic, not only for dental aesthetics but also for a healthy mouth. In case of wearing any type of prosthesis, such as veneers, we must be much more careful when brushing our teeth. We should brush three times a day, and the brushing should always be from the gum towards the tooth to avoid recessions that can cause misalignments in the veneers. It is important to use dental floss and, if necessary or if we notice any type of inflammation or injury to the gums, use a mouthwash.
- Foods that can stain teeth. In this case it is necessary to differentiate between porcelain and composite veneers. Porcelain veneers do not change color when exposed to food, but composite veneers can be stained by foods such as coffee, dark chocolate or tomato. In addition, these types of composites change color over time. It is impossible to pretend to stop eating these foods but it is possible to reduce the intake of these foods so that the composite veneers have a longer life.
- Tobacco. Like certain foods, tobacco is detrimental to dental esthetics, as it can stain teeth and composite veneers. But, in addition, tobacco has a very negative effect on dental health, so it would be advisable to reduce or stop smoking if you want to have a healthy and beautiful mouth.
- Hard and sticky foods. Porcelain veneers are thin layers that are glued to the teeth. Therefore, biting on sticky or hard things can help some of the layer to peel off. Hard foods can be chewed with the molars. In case you want to eat apples or sandwiches, for example, they should be eaten in small pieces that we will take to the molar area to avoid detaching the veneers.
- Habits such as nail biting or biting pencils. These habits can also provoke the detachment of the veneers, so it is advisable not to do so.
- Dental splint. If we tend to clench or grind our teeth, the use of a dental splint is essential. This appliance will protect the teeth from wear and possible fractures in the veneers, as well as protect the temporomandibular joint from contractures and other injuries.
- Periodic check-ups. As in all dental treatments, follow-up check-ups by a specialist in dentistry and stomatology are necessary. Doing so will allow us to maintain a healthy mouth. In addition, the dentist will advise us on how to improve dental esthetics and when veneers should be changed, or if any specific indications should be followed to improve maintenance. Dental veneers, as well as any prosthesis, are not for life and need to be replaced after 10-15 years of their placement, normally.