All our smiles are unique. From misshapen teeth to slightly crooked pearly whites, these things are what make our smiles so special. Even so, that doesn’t mean that you have to settle for a smile that you don’t love. There is a range of treatments that can correct these cosmetic issues and more, including porcelain veneers. How long this treatment lasts will depend on the individual, so read on to learn a few tips that will help you get the most out of your veneers.
Tip #1: Avoid Beverages That Are High in Tannins
Tannins are a group of bitter, astringent compounds found in bark, leaves, wood, and fruit. They can also be found in beverages like coffee, dark sodas, red wine, and tea. If your veneers are scratched or otherwise damaged, they may collect these tannins in them and leave stains on your smile. Consuming these stain-causing beverages in moderation will lessen your risk of staining your beam. You can also sip them through a straw so they have less contact with your smile.
Tip #2: Brush and Floss
Be sure to brush your teeth once every morning and once every night. This will get rid of food particles, plaque, and bacteria that have built up throughout the day. You should also floss every night after your last meal or before bed. Doing so will sharply lower your risk of developing tooth decay between your pearly whites.
Tip #3: Visit Your Dentist
If you haven’t seen your dentist in more than six months, now is the time to go visit them. Biannual dental checkups and cleanings are key to getting your veneers to last. They will allow your dentist to take care of any oral health issues that have developed before they have a chance to jeopardize your smile.
Tip #4: Eat Fruits and Vegetables
Many fruits and vegetables are full of the vitamins and nutrients that your teeth and bones need to remain healthy and strong. Some of the fruits and veggies you should eat to maintain a beautiful, strong beam include:
- Leafy greens, like spinach
- Sweet potatoes
- Carrots
- Apples
- Celery
Tip #5: Steer Clear of Hard Foods
Eating hard foods may damage your veneers or cause them to become dislodged from your teeth. Avoid eating chips, pretzels, peppermints, hard nuts, and peanut brittle. Maintain a soft diet of foods like bananas, pasta, rice, chicken, fish, yogurt, pudding, apple sauce, and mashed potatoes to avoid damage.
With proper care, you can get your porcelain veneers to last around 15 years. So, make sure to follow the above tips so you can enjoy a healthy, bright smile for years to come!
About the Practice
Laguna Niguel Family Dental Care aims to help their California patients keep their smiles healthy, happy, and bright. They offer a variety of preventive, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency treatments. If your beam could use an upgrade, they can speak with you about porcelain veneers to correct cosmetic issues and give you a gorgeous grin you’re grateful for. For more information on how to extend the lifespan of your porcelain veneers, call Laguna Niguel Family Dental Care at (949) 643-3129 or visit their website.
