If you're unhappy with the appearance of your front teeth because they are stained permanently or have uneven shapes, a cosmetic dentist services professional might recommend dental veneers. A veneer is a thin porcelain cover that's attached to one or more teeth to improve their appearance. Veneers may not last as long as other forms of dental work, but there are things you can do to make them last as long as possible. Here's how to care for your veneers so they last a long time and stay looking good.

Brush And Floss Regularly

A veneer fits on the front of your tooth, so you still have most of your natural tooth that's susceptible to decay. If you don't keep up with brushing at least twice daily and using floss daily, your teeth might develop cavities and that could ruin the look of your veneers. Brushing also helps prevent gum disease which can make your teeth loose or even fall out. To get the longest life from your veneers, you need to keep your teeth healthy. Also, avoid using stiff brushes and abrasive toothpaste. Your cosmetic dentist can recommend the right type of teeth cleaning products to use on your veneers.

Prevent Staining Of The Veneers

Brushing the veneers is just as important as brushing your teeth because porcelain can stain. You may want to brush after eating or drinking things known to cause stains such as coffee and tea unless you drink them through a straw. If you smoke, you should consider quitting since cigarette smoke can cause your teeth and veneers to stain. Having your teeth and veneers cleaned on schedule at your dentist's office can also help them stay clean. Dental cleanings help prevent gum disease too.

Prevent Cracking

You can eat most kinds of food when you have veneers, and you can bite and chew normally. However, certain things like crunching on ice or hard candy should be avoided as much as possible so you don't crack a veneer. Also, avoid using your teeth to pry things open or you might chip the end off of a veneer and need to have it replaced.

Your veneers could last many years if you maintain good oral health and see your dentist regularly. Veneers can make a big difference in your smile, so you want to take good care of them so they last a long time and keep your smile attractive. If you want to improve your smile, talk to a cosmetic dentist about veneers and then follow the dentist's instructions for caring for them.