Things You'll Need:
- Mouthguard (if you grind your teeth)
- Mouth protector (for sports)
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Step 1
Avoid using the teeth that have veneers to do things like bite your nails or tear open plastic packages. While these actions may seem innocent enough, they can result in cracking or chipping if done frequently or with enough force. Anything that requires force or a pulling motion can affect the dental veneers negatively.
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Step 2
Don't bite food with your front teeth. Instead of biting on an apple, cut it before eating. If anything you are eating is too hard, crunchy or crisp, avoid biting into it with your front teeth. While this may not directly chip the veneers, it may cause a fissure that will result in breakage eventually.
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Step 3
Avoid striking your dental veneers with hard objects. This can mean something as simple as tapping on them with a pen or grinding your teeth against each other during sleep. You will need to change your habits in order to avoid problems, and you may need to wear a mouthguard to prevent nighttime grinding.
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Step 4
Use a mouth protector if you practice any type of contact sports. Even sports that are not considered a direct risk may result in chipping if a ball accidentally hits you or you are struck by a moving object. If there is a risk of falling (as with in-line or ice skating), you are in danger of accidentally chipping your dental veneers.
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Step 5
Switch to a hygienist who has experience dealing with veneers. One without experience may accidentally chip them by applying too much force or pulling on the wrong spot, while a hygienist who is used to dealing with veneers will exercise the proper caution.
