As a veneers dentist in Encino, we are in the habit of creating beautiful smiles. When patients visit us with gaps in between their teeth, misshapen teeth, dark stains, crooked teeth, etc., we work to create a plan to address these issues. Very often, the solution we suggest is dental veneers. This is because they are incredibly versatile. There are few aesthetic issues they cannot correct, which makes it possible to transform smiles while keeping natural teeth in place. Veneers are a thin shell bonded to the surface of the teeth. This means you will be unable to see the natural teeth below, but those teeth still serve as an anchor for the veneers, and the root system remains intact. We have found that our patients are delighted by how beautiful their smile looks when we are done. Still, it is important to note that this procedure requires time and commitment, so it is important to take steps to keep veneers in good condition after the fact. Here are a few ways you can do so:
- Watch what you eat. During this procedure, you may need to wear temporary veneers for a brief time. If that is the case, you need to stick with soft foods and avoid biting directly into things. However, once your permanent veneers are bonded to your teeth, there are no restrictions. As long as it is edible, you can eat it. Still, we like to warn patients that you should not bite into something you know could damage your natural teeth or your veneers. Ice, for example, is terrible for your teeth, and so is chewing on pencils. Practice common sense to keep your teeth in good condition.
- Practice good oral hygiene. As a veneers dentist in Encino, we have many patients who think that because they have a restoration, they do not need to be as careful with their oral hygiene. This is simply not the case. You should continue to brush and floss throughout the day, drink plenty of water, eat a mouth-healthy diet, and visit our office regularly. This way, your risk of getting a cavity, infection, or gum disease is reduced. Remember that veneers are placed on top of natural teeth. That means your natural tooth could still get a cavity or infection. If that happens, your veneer may need to be removed so your health can improve before it is replaced. This is an unnecessary inconvenience and a reason to keep your teeth healthy.
- Wear a mouthguard. After getting veneers, you need to prevent injury to your teeth. As a veneers dentist in Encino, we recommend wearing a mouthguard while playing sports. This is an incredibly easy solution, since a mouthguard is simple to wear, discreet, and serves as a barrier between your teeth and your teammates’ elbows.
- Use a night guard. Another way your teeth can be damaged is if you grind them at night. Teeth grinding can damage your veneers, cause them to pop off or shift, or damage your natural teeth. This can all be avoided by wearing a night guard.
For more tips and information, call and schedule a dental appointment.