Dental veneers can perfect your smile if you have chipped or cracked teeth, gaps between your teeth, discoloration, or teeth that do not match in shape or size. For the most part, you can care for your veneers the same as you would your natural teeth, and they should be able to last ten to fifteen years if you take good care of them. Make sure you avoid the following habits, which have the potential to damage or even break your dental veneers.
Grinding Your Teeth
If you habitually grind your teeth or clench your jaw, the force can cause your veneers to chip, crack, or break. Teeth grinding, otherwise known as bruxism, can also damage your bite and cause a number of other uncomfortable symptoms such as chronic jaw pain, TMJ disorder, tension headaches, and difficulty sleeping. Many people grind their teeth subconsciously as a response to stress or while they are asleep, but a custom mouthguard can help protect your veneers (and your natural teeth) from this harmful habit.
Chewing On Hard Objects
In addition to grinding your teeth, chewing on hard objects can also lead to broken veneers. If you frequently chew on ice, pens, pencils, or even your fingernails, these habits can damage both veneers and natural teeth, so you should try your best to stop. You should also avoid using your teeth as tools to open packages.
Other Habits That Can Harm Veneers
There are a number of other habits that can harm your veneers and decrease their lifespan, even if these habits do not necessarily lead to broken veneers. Brushing with a hard-bristled toothbrush and abrasive whitening toothpaste can damage your veneers, so we recommend using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a toothpaste without abrasive agents. And even though porcelain veneers are largely stain-resistant, they can still become discolored around the edges if you use tobacco or regularly consume beverages like coffee, black tea, soda, or red wine. Contact our office today to learn more about caring for your veneers.
Merritt Island