The veneer is a micro-thin piece of porcelain or resin that is shaped like the front of a tooth. This revolutionary cosmetic dental appliance changes the look of a tooth by hiding the imperfections. 

To create a veneer, a mold or impression of your mouth is made and used as a fabrication guide for the device. The dentist prepares the tooth that will be covered by the veneer by removing a bit of the tooth enamel from its front surface. This removal allows the veneer to be placed without changing the natural bite pattern or frontal alignment of the teeth.

After the preparation of the tooth, the veneer is permanently bonded into position, covering the blemishes of the underlying tooth. Dental issues that can be covered by veneers include discolored, slightly misaligned, improperly sized, cracked, and chipped teeth.

If you are planning to have dental veneers applied to your teeth, you may wonder whether there are any precautions that you should take once the veneers are in place. Here are a few things that you can do to keep your veneers looking great.

Brush and Floss 

Even though a veneer is in place, the underlying tooth material is still subject to decay. The acids created by the bacteria within the mouth can still demineralize the teeth, causing cavities to form. 

If a tooth that has been covered by a veneer becomes severely decayed, the veneer may have to be removed so that the tooth can be treated. Changes to the structure may even result in the need for the placement of a new dental veneer.

The bacterial acids can also cause gum disease, which sometimes results in gum recession. As the gums recede, more of the natural tooth surface may be uncovered, revealing the upper edge of the veneer. 

It is important to continue to brush twice per day and floss at least once daily to remove bacteria from the mouth. If you find it difficult to use string floss, an oral irrigator may be used to clear the plaque and bacteria from between the teeth and along the gum line.

Limit the Ingestion of Dark Substances

Foods and drinks that are highly pigmented can stain your veneers as they do the natural tooth material. The discoloration can accumulate over time, making a veneer appear dull or yellow.

To avoid stains without fully abstaining from darkly colored items, rinse your mouth with water after eating and drinking. The rinsing can help dilute pigments before they discolor your veneers. Also, use a whitening toothpaste to polish away stains each time you brush.

For more ways to keep your veneers looking great, schedule a consultation with a cosmetic dentistry clinic University Dental Group PA in your local area.