More people are turning to dental veneers to get the perfect smile they’ve always wanted. Dental veneers provide the chance to improve imperfections that may bother you, including discolored, chipped, gapped, or otherwise less-than-perfect teeth. And they can do this without requiring long and invasive dental procedures.
Dental veneers are very similar to your natural teeth, so can veneer teeth be stained? The answer is yes. To help avoid this issue and enjoy having beautiful dental veneers for years to come, you can follow these tips.
Brush and Floss Correctly and Often
Your dental veneers need brushing and flossing just like your natural teeth do. You need to brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time to remove plaque. The same recommendation applies to your dental veneers. Make sure that you stick to a soft-bristled brush, too.
You also need to floss once a day. Often, people fear using floss with veneers, but it’s perfectly safe to do so. Your veneers won’t snap off. You can also use mouthwash, but make sure to read the label carefully because you don’t want to use any that contain alcohol. Alcohol could loosen the bond that keeps the veneers on your teeth.
Minimize Certain Foods and Drinks
It is common knowledge that teeth stains can occur from some of the foods and drinks you consume. However, what many people don’t realize is that the veneers can suffer damage for that same reason. Some common culprits are:
- Starchy food
- Black tea or coffee
- Dark sauces (i.e. soy sauce)
- Red sauces
- Red wine
- Berries
If you do consume these drinks and foods, the best thing you can do is brush your teeth right after or drink water to wash away any residue. You can also use mouthwash.
Stop Smoking
Smoking can also cause stains on teeth. Nicotine is colorless, but it turns yellow when it comes into contact with oxygen. This leads to a yellow discoloration on your teeth if you have a smoking habit.
The same staining issues can occur on your dental veneers. If you smoke, the best thing you can do for your veneers, and the rest of your body, is to stop.
Use the Right Tools
To brush your teeth, you need to use a soft-bristled brush and whitening toothpaste. The right brush will be more effective at removing plaque buildup on your teeth and veneers.
The toothpaste you choose shouldn’t contain abrasive ingredients, like baking soda or gritty particles. These can damage the surface of the veneer and make staining more likely.
Keeping Your Veneers Looking Great
Have you’ve gotten veneers, you probably want to keep them looking their best for as long as possible. Activities like brushing your teeth, flossing, avoiding staining foods, and smoking can all help prevent getting stained teeth.
It’s also important to keep up with your dental appointments. Having an expert check the veneers regularly can help prevent any issues. If you’re thinking about veneers or want to know more about the process, we can help at Pinnacle Dentistry. Contact us today for help from a Colorado dentist.
