A brilliant smile with porcelain veneers is a significant investment in your confidence and appearance. Designed by experts like Dr. Aristo Carranza in Westfield, NJ, veneers are made to be durable and long-lasting. However, their longevity depends on proper care. To safeguard your smile, it’s crucial to avoid these seven common mistakes.
1. Choosing the Wrong Toothpaste
A lot of stain-removing toothpastes have abrasive particles that can damage the polished surface of your veneers. Over time, these microscopic scratches can dull the finish of your veneers and more susceptible to staining.
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How to Avoid It: Always use a non-abrasive gel toothpaste. Choose formulas recommended for cosmetic dental work.
2. Brushing Too Aggressively
Brushing with excessive pressure or using a hard-bristled toothbrush won’t make your veneers cleaner. Instead, it can harm your gumline, causing them to recede and exposing the top edge of the veneer.
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How to Avoid It: Select a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle, circular motions to clean your teeth and gumline effectively.
3. Neglecting to Floss
Veneers only cover the front surface of your teeth. The underlying tooth structure and the areas in between are still vulnerable to cavities and gum disease. Neglecting to floss can lead to serious dental issues that compromise the health of your veneers.
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How to Avoid It: Floss daily, making sure to gently clean around each tooth and along the gumline.
4. Consuming Staining Foods and Drinks in Excess
While porcelain is very resistant to stains, the adhesive resin used to attach the veneers can be prone to discoloration gradually. Regular intake of dark liquids like coffee, red wine, tea, and soda can discolor the margins of your veneers.
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How to Avoid It: Enjoy these beverages in moderation and rinse your mouth with water immediately after.
5. Using Your Teeth as Implements
Your teeth are meant for chewing food, not for opening packages, cutting tape, or chewing on pens. Using your veneers as a tool can easily cause them to crack, fracture, or even pop off completely, necessitating a significant expense for repair or replacement.
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How to Avoid It: Make sure to use the correct tool for the job, like a pair of scissors or an opener.
6. Skipping Regular Dental Check-ups
Regular dental visits are critical. Your dentist can identify potential issues with your veneers or underlying teeth well before you notice them. They also use special polishing pastes that are gentle on veneers and keep them looking their best.
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How to Avoid It: Book an appointment and cleaning with Dr. Aristo Carranza every six months.
7. Grinding Your Teeth (Bruxism)
Grinding and clenching your teeth, particularly while sleeping, puts immense pressure on your veneers. This habit can result in fractures, chips, and significant harm.
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How to Avoid It: If you think you grind your teeth, speak to your dentist. A custom-made oral appliance is the best way to protect your veneers while you sleep.
Protect your beautiful new smile by incorporating these simple habits into your daily routine. For custom recommendations or to schedule a check-up, contact Dr. Aristo Carranza today.
Want to make sure your veneers last a lifetime? Call us at (908) 444-3200 or stop by our clinic at 301 Lenox Avenue, Westfield, NJ 07090.
