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How to Maintain Dental Veneers

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By eHow Contributing Writer
(2 Ratings)

Cosmetic dentistry is a popular option for many people who wish to improve the appearance of their teeth. A common method to fix broken, chipped or discolored teeth is dental veneers. Veneers are thin, tooth-colored porcelain shells that fit over each individual tooth. Proper care is necessary for maintaining dental veneers. If you have dental veneers, here's how to best care for them.

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Difficulty: Easy
Instructions
  1. Step 1

    Brush regularly as you would your real teeth. Keeping plaque from forming on dental veneers is just as important as keeping it from forming on real teeth.

  2. Step 2

    Floss regularly. Flossing helps to ensure gum health, which is important for people with dental veneers. Gum recession can affect the appearance of veneers and lead to replacement of the veneers.

  3. Step 3

    Use your veneers for chewing food only. Avoid ripping or tearing motions, such as ripping open a plastic bag with your teeth, as this can cause the veneers to twist or break.

  4. Step 4

    Avoid biting down on nuts, ice or other hard foods, as this can damage dental veneers. Veneers are attached with a thin bonding cement and biting down on hard objects can dislodge them.

  5. Step 5

    Visit your dentist for regular check ups and cleanings. Proper oral hygiene is the best way to care for your dental veneers.

  6. Step 6

    Wear a protective mouth guard if participating in contact sports. You can damage or loosen dental veneers if not you don't protect them when playing sports.

Tips & Warnings
  • Veneers won't discolor easily, but the bonding agent along the gum line is porous and can stain, taking away from the cosmetic appearance of your teeth. Perform daily oral hygiene to keep teeth and gums clean and healthy and avoid excessive staining agents like coffee, tea or smoking.
  • Avoid biting your fingernails or clenching your teeth if you have dental veneers.

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