With the right care, you can enjoy your new smile for 10–15 years or more. Luckily, taking care of veneers is really simple.
But, veneers may require making some minor changes to your lifestyle. Keep reading to find out if these changes include not enjoying any more gum.
How Do Veneers Work, and What Can They Fix?
A veneer is like a mask or a new face for a tooth. It’s a thin piece of porcelain that covers the front surface of your natural tooth, immediately changing its appearance.
Veneers in Cookeville are an excellent way to improve many dental cosmetic issues:
- Staining and discoloration that might not respond to whitening
- Minor chipped or cracked teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Irregularly sized or misshapen teeth
- Minor tooth alignment issues, etc.
To get veneers, a dentist will shave enamel from your tooth, which allows the veneer to properly bond and stay in place.
The amount of enamel removed is small and will not cause any harm to your natural teeth, such as increased sensitivity. But, it does mean you need to commit to veneers for the rest of your life because tooth enamel doesn’t grow back.
Moreover, you’ll also need to commit to long-term veneer maintenance to ensure you keep your smile looking beautiful and healthy.
What About Veneers and Chewing Gum?
You can most likely still chew gum even if you have veneers. The tooth-prepping process ensures veneers will fully bond with the tooth, so you won’t have to worry about them falling out when eating or speaking.
Most chewing gums are also not sticky enough to pull out the veneers from the tooth, so you should be fine.
However, you should switch to sugar-free gum if you haven’t already. Chewing gum with sugar can increase your risk for cavities, which sometimes means you’ll need to remove your veneers to get the treatment.
How to Properly Maintain Veneers
Taking care of veneers mostly involves good oral hygiene habits, such as:
- Brushing your teeth twice a day (at least)
- Flossing your teeth daily
- Not smoking, vaping, or chewing tobacco products
- Protecting your teeth with a mouthguard if you grind them while sleeping
- Using fluoride products to strengthen your smile (toothpaste, mouthwash, etc.)
- Drinking lots of tap water to cleanse the mouth after meals
- Not using your teeth to chew on objects or open packages
- Eating less tooth-damaging foods (sugary treats, hard foods) and more dental-friendly ones (fresh fruit and vegetables)
- Seeing the dentist routinely for professional dental cleanings and check-ups
Getting Veneers in Cookeville, TN
Want to change your smile’s appearance with porcelain veneers? Find out if you’re a good candidate by visiting Dogwood Family Dental for a quick veneers consultation!
Request an appointment online or call us at (931) 528-6536 for more information.
