
Mar
Your smile says a lot about you. This is a significant reason why cosmetic dental treatments, including porcelain veneers, are as popular now as ever. Dental veneers are just one of several restorative services available at Grothouse Quality Dentistry in Indianapolis, Indiana. If you have ever thought about searching for “veneers near me,” you are likely ready to take the next step in getting your veneers. But once you get your veneers, it is essential that you know how to care for them. Dr. Grothouse will ensure you fully understand how to follow a healthy oral hygiene regimen and what habits to avoid once you receive your veneers.
Here are some recommendations you can follow to care for your veneers.
The ADA (American Dental Association) recommends using FDA-approved fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth at least twice daily. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that has long been acknowledged for its many oral health benefits. Many cities have even incorporated fluoride into drinking water as a way to benefit oral health. When you brush with fluoride toothpaste, make sure you are doing so for two minutes minimum, as this will give you enough time to brush all of your teeth properly, including your veneers. If you do not allow enough time to brush your teeth, you could be leaving food particles behind and developing plaque (especially on the back teeth, which are harder to reach). It is not uncommon to see people who brush regularly but do not brush long enough to still develop cavities in their back teeth.
The bristles of your toothbrush cannot reach everywhere, and plaque loves to find its way into those hard-to-reach areas, so it can wreak havoc on your natural tooth structure or veneers. This makes flossing so important so that any plaque or food hiding between your teeth or along your gum line can be removed. Because cavities not only form on the chewing surface of a tooth but can also form between teeth, flossing daily will also help prevent cavities from developing between your teeth.
Your porcelain veneers are crafted to be very strong, but they are not invincible. Things you may not consider a bad habit, such as chewing ice, can lead to chips in a veneer, ruining the appearance of your smile. Other foods you should not chew include hard candies, popcorn kernels, and other hard foods which could chip your veneer.
Also, you should avoid using your teeth as a tool. Many people use their teeth to open packages or pry off bottle caps. You do not want to attempt this with your veneers as it could chip or even completely break off the veneer.
While these tips may seem like common sense, plenty of individuals out there find it difficult to maintain a healthy oral hygiene regimen and refrain from biting/chewing hard objects. If you are ready to learn more about dental veneers crafted from porcelain, please visit your local dentist.
If you are in the Indianapolis, IN area, you can schedule a consultation with Dr. Erik G. Grothouse by calling (317) 823-1780.