What to Expect from Your New Veneers and How to Care for Them
If you have had veneers put on your teeth, you should educate yourself on what to expect once you leave the dentist's office. It's also important for you to learn what you can do to keep your veneers in good condition. This article will walk you through what you will feel like when you first have your veneers put on and how to properly take care of them afterward.
Once you leave the office
After you leave the dentist's office with your new veneers on, you may feel as if you have to be extremely careful with them. The good news is, once the dentist has cemented them in place, they will be quite durable. You can drink, smile, talk, and chew as normal. However, do keep in mind that though veneers are durable, they are still not quite as strong as your natural teeth.
When you first leave the office, your teeth may feel a little weird in your mouth. This will be due to having more material on your teeth than you may be used to. However, you'll be glad to know that you shouldn't feel much pain, if any at all.
Eating with your veneers
While your veneers are quite durable, you do need to remember they can break if put under too much stress. For this reason, you should avoid eating hard foods such as solid candies, popcorn, ice cubes, and anything else that puts your teeth under unnecessary stress. Cut harder foods, such as apples, into bite-sized pieces and chew carefully.
Your veneers will be susceptible to staining, just as your natural teeth are. You'll want to avoid eating foods known to stain such as tea, coffee, soda, wine, pasta sauce, soy sauce, blueberries, and grape juice.
Caring for your veneers
You will care for your veneers the same way you would natural teeth. Brush them with regular toothpaste, floss after meals, and use a good mouthwash before bedtime. Do not chew on nonfood items such as fingernails, ice, or pen caps. Also, don't use your veneers to open bags or untie knots, as this can damage or dislodge them.
By keeping the information in this article in mind, you will decrease your chances of having problems with the veneers and they should last you for a longer period of time. You should also feel good knowing that the veneers will allow you to enjoy a beautiful smile that looks so natural. If you're considering cosmetic dentistry, search for a reputable dentist in your area.