Are you thinking about getting veneers, crowns, or other cosmetic dental work done? Or have you already had it done? You’ll be happy to know that, with the proper care, your veneers, crowns, and other cosmetic dental work can last a surprisingly long time!
Besides regularly meeting with a dentist for checkups and cleanings, Dr. Kelley Mingus, an expert dentist in Bend, Oregon, offers a few tips to help you get the most out of your dental work. Here’s what you need to know about extending the life of your veneers, crowns, and cosmetic work. We’ll cover common maintenance steps and dedicate some extra attention to unique concerns for each type of cosmetic dental work.
Common Maintenance Steps for Veneers, Crowns, and Other Cosmetic Dental Work
No matter the type of cosmetic dental work you have, the basics are the same for good dental hygiene. That means:
- Brush your teeth twice a day!
This is the golden rule of good dental care. Use toothpaste that contains fluoride and a soft-bristled toothbrush for a complete clean. - Floss daily. The areas between your teeth are difficult to reach with a toothbrush, making flossing crucial for good dental hygiene.
- Pay attention to your diet. Certain foods and drinks, like those that are sugary and acidic, can weaken tooth enamel over time. Drink lots of water and maintain a balanced diet to keep your teeth and dental work looking and feeling their best.
- Avoid smoking and tobacco products. Smoking negatively affects not just your oral health, but also your overall health. If you’re already a smoker, kick the habit to prevent damage to your dental work in the future.
- Protect your teeth from injury. If you play contact sports or grind your teeth, visit your dentist for custom mouth guards or night guards. Protecting your teeth is vital in preventing chips, cracks, and other types of damage to your dental work.
Unique Concerns for Veneers
Veneers are thin porcelain or resin shells that are bonded to the front of teeth to improve their appearance. With the proper care, veneers can last up to 20 years! To extend the life of your veneers, follow these tips.
- Avoid hard food and items. Hard items, like ice and hard candy, can crack or damage your veneers and should be avoided. Similarly, never open packages and other hard-to-open items with your teeth! That’s just asking for damage to your veneers.
- Visit the dentist regularly. Your dentist will check to make sure your veneers are still in good shape and determine if there are any issues that need to be addressed.
- Consider dental sealants. Dental sealants can help to prevent staining on the surfaces of your veneers.
Unique Concerns for Crowns
Crowns are caps designed to fit over a natural tooth and improve its appearance and function. Most crowns will last around five to 15 years with the proper care. To extend the life of your crowns, follow these tips.
- Brush lightly. To ensure the strength of your dental work, brush your crowns gently. Use a light, circular motion to remove debris from the top and sides of the crown.
- Floss carefully. Flossing tips should be used to gently clean the area between and around your crown and sensitive areas of your mouth.
- Wear a mouth guard. If you grind your teeth, speak with your dentist about a custom mouth guard to protect your crown from fractures or cracks.
Conclusion
Dr. Mingus’ top tips for extending the life of your veneers, crowns, and other cosmetic dental work include maintaining good dental hygiene, paying attention to your diet, and protecting your teeth from injury. Specific to veneers, try to avoid hard foods and items and consider dental sealants. For crowns, brush and floss carefully, and wear a mouth guard if needed. By following these tips, your cosmetic dental work will look and feel its best for years to come!
Ready to take the next step toward the smile of your dreams? Reach out to Dr. Mingus’ office today to learn more about cosmetic dentistry procedures.