Have you ever been speaking to someone and noticed how brilliant their smile looks? Chances are that they have had veneers applied to their teeth. They are small porcelain shells that are put on the exterior of teeth to cover up stains or chips. People love them because they’re barely noticeable and indistinguishable from regular teeth. However, because people don’t notice them, hardly anyone talks about the steps that need to be taken after veneers have been placed. Thankfully, you don’t need to do much. Keep reading to find out about the simple steps you need to follow after getting veneers to ensure your smile stays pristine for a long time.
Resume Your Normal Activities Slowly
After you get veneers placed, your mouth is going to feel a little different for a few days. The veneers may slightly alter how your teeth fit together. Your brain will immediately notice this change, which can make actions like eating and speaking feel a little weird. However, you won’t notice the difference after a few days. While you adjust, it’s important to chew slowly so that you don’t accidentally bite your tongue or dislodge a veneer.
Follow Proper Hygiene Habits
While veneers don’t decay like normal teeth, that doesn’t mean you can skip cleaning them. They can stain, and the natural tooth structure they cover is still vulnerable to damage from bacteria. You should gently brush and floss twice a day to keep your veneers clean and the teeth underneath them healthy.
Patients can also experience mild sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures after getting their veneers placed. This is perfectly normal. Rinsing with warm salt water during the first week after the procedure will help reduce this feeling.
Don’t Apply Pressure To Your Veneers
The materials modern veneers are made of are extremely strong, but they are not invincible. While your veneers are getting settled in your mouth, you don’t want to subject them to extreme forces that could cause them to chip or come loose. During the first two weeks, it is especially important to avoid using them to bite into very hard foods. You should also try not to use them as “tools” to hold or open things.
Consider Getting A Mouthguard
If you know that you’ll be playing sports soon after you get veneers, then you should ask your dentist about having a custom mouthguard made for you. This device will cover your veneers and keep the force of impacts from breaking or loosening them.
The last thing anyone wants to do after spending their time and money to have veneers placed is return to their dentist’s office to have them repaired. Following these easy aftercare steps will ensure that they remain a part of your improved smile for many years to come.
About the Practice
Functional, aesthetically pleasing dental care is what every patient receives at Pearl Dental Associates. The team of dentists at the practice has decades of combined experience in restorative and cosmetic dentistry, and they truly look forward to helping patients improve their smiles with veneers. If you’d like to learn whether or not you’d be a good candidate for this procedure, you can contact them through their website or at 781-545-9244.