Habits That Can Hurt Your Dental Veneers

Thanks to the modern advancements in cosmetic dentistry in Lake Worth, FL, anyone can have a beautiful smile. If you’ve decided to conceal your tooth flaws with dental veneers, you’ll want to avoid the things that can damage them and hurt your investment.

Habits That Can Cause Damage to Your Dental Veneers

Eating Hard or Sticky Foods

Just like your natural teeth, your dental veneers can crack or break when you eat foods that are too hard. Likewise, eating sticky foods can also cause the sugar to stick to your veneers and loosen them from your teeth. If you want your veneers to last, avoid eating ice, nuts, hard pretzels, jawbreakers, and caramel candy.

Using Abrasive Toothpaste

Keep in mind that dental veneers aren’t resistant to damage. For this reason, you’ll want to avoid using abrasive toothpaste such as whitening toothpaste. Otherwise, these products can seriously hurt the outer coating of your veneers.

Using Your Teeth as Tools

If you want to make your veneers last, avoid using your teeth to trim your fingernails or open bottles and packages. It’s best to use fingernail clippers to cut your nails and a pair of scissors to open something. Compared to your dental veneers, these items are cheaper to replace.

Clenching or Grinding Your Teeth

A condition called bruxism or involuntary clenching and grinding your teeth typically occurs during sleep. Unless you get a mouthguard or seek treatment for a TMJ issue, the constant pressure and excessive force can wear down and fracture your dental veneers.

Smoking or Chewing Tobacco

While porcelain veneers are resistant to stains, the composite material your dentist uses to bond them to your teeth isn’t. Smoking or chewing tobacco products can stain the composite and make the edges of your teeth appear brown or yellow. This habit can also cause gum recession that can leave a gap between your veneers and the edge of your teeth.

Considering Cosmetic Dentistry in Lake Worth, FL?

Dr. Miguel Ferrer, DDS, PA is dedicated to your ongoing well-being, starting with your smile! Contact us today to schedule your next appointment.