Dental veneers are selected to help improve the appearance of the teeth. Each veneer is fashioned from a paper-thin strip of porcelain that is given the shape of a natural tooth.  Once the dental veneer is in place, in addition to beautifying the tooth, the device strengthens and protects it.

In most instances, dental veneers last for years. With proper care, they may even last a lifetime. Here are a few things that you can do to keep your veneers in great shape.

Keep Your Mouth Clean

Cleaning your teeth and gums properly and regularly should continue to be a priority, even if you have veneers. Dental veneers are not subject to decay, but your underlying teeth are. As a result, improper oral hygiene can result in cavities and discoloration of the tooth material, which can affect the appearance and durability of the veneer. If a cavity progresses and requires the removal of a tooth, the dental veneer is removed as well.

Additionally, plaque and oral bacteria can inflame the gums and cause periodontal disease. If the gums begin to recede, the dental veneers will no longer sit flush with the gum line. Longer veneers may be needed to fill the gap left by the gingival recession.

Use a Toothpaste With Whitening Agents

There are many varieties of toothpaste that are available nowadays. Some of these pastes contain whitening agents, such as sodium bicarbonate or titanium dioxide. These ingredients help polish away stains.

Even though your dental veneers are not made of natural tooth material, they can still absorb stains from the pigments in the foods and beverages that you consume. By using a whitening toothpaste, you can help prevent permanent stains from forming on your veneers.

Don't Floss Roughly

Using string floss is an efficient way to dislodge food and plaque that may be caught between your teeth, where a toothbrush cannot reach. However, when you have veneers, it is important to floss with care. The string can become caught on the veneer, causing the device to break or crack. 

Once a veneer becomes damaged, it will need to be removed and replaced. If you are concerned that your flossing skills are insufficient to properly protect your veneers, you can use an oral irrigator instead of string floss.

An oral irrigator uses a concentrated stream of water to dislodge debris from around the teeth. The intensity of the water flow can usually be adjusted by using the controls on the irrigator.

For more information about maintaining your dental veneers, contact a dentist like Aaron G Birch, DDS PC in your area.