Practices That Could Damage Your Dental Veneers

Dental veneers offer an effective way to transform less-than-perfect teeth. The veneers are actually shell-like slivers of porcelain that are tooth-colored. Each veneer is cemented to an underlying tooth to enhance the color and shape of the tooth.

A veneer can transform a tooth that could not be enhanced chemically. Teeth that have permanent stains that will not respond to whitening applications can still be transformed by a veneer application. 

Although veneers are durable, they are not indestructible. Damage can result from a number of avoidable factors. Here are a few practices that could damage your dental veneers.

Using the Teeth as a Tool

It may be inconvenient to look for a bottle opener to open a stubborn container. However, using your teeth as a makeshift tool to open the bottle can result in veneer damage.

The porcelain of a veneer can crack or chip under extreme amounts of pressure. To keep veneers in great condition, it is best to avoid using your teeth for anything other than masticating food.

Not Wearing a Bruxism Guard

If you grind your teeth at night, it is important for you to wear a night guard regularly. The force of the grinding can damage a veneer just as it can damage natural tooth material. 

Teeth grinding can cause natural teeth to fracture or chip away. In some cases, the grinding can cause a tooth to become loosened within its socket. Likewise, a veneer can break or separate from a tooth due to the pressure from the grinding. 

Not Brushing or Flossing Adequately

Brushing and flossing are imperative for the proper maintenance of your teeth and gums. Cleaning the teeth helps to remove plaque that can cause tooth decay. 

Veneers cannot decay, but they can still be affected by the dissolution of the tooth enamel. Each veneer rests on a natural tooth. If the tooth decays, the veneer may start to migrate on the tooth surface.

In addition, since the gums may recede as gum disease ensues, a veneer may no longer rest flush with the gum line. As a result, a new veneer application may be required as the dental roots are exposed.

To prevent problems with the teeth and gums that could affect your dental veneers, be sure to brush your teeth twice daily for at least two minutes per session. Also, floss at least once daily.

For more information about protecting your dental veneers, schedule a consultation with a dentist, like one from Beck Pearce Dental, in your local area.

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