New Dental Veneers In Epsom?

Here are some quick tips to get the most from them….

Dental veneers can be used to correct a number of issues, but are perhaps most commonly used to restore the shade and appearance where a patient’s teeth are heavily discoloured or cracked. Once fitted, dental veneers should last in the region of ten years, depending on individual circumstances and how well they are maintained.

One of the fundamental aspects for making sure that veneers look great and function well over the years, is to maintain the integrity of the teeth on which the veneers are attached. So a good personal oral care regimen must be maintained.

Staining

As dental veneers are made from porcelain, they are quite resistant to staining and should not discolour quickly. This is because they are virtually non-porous and staining substances can’t get into the tiny pits and cracks as they can on a natural tooth. Surface staining though is still possible, and, for example, smoking may cause tar deposits to accumulate on the surface. Always make sure to brush both the surface of the veneer, and the rest of the tooth regularly.

Decay

The veneer itself cannot decay; however, the remainder of the tooth to which it is attached certainly can. Not only might decay of the underlying tooth mean that fillings might be required but it can also change the shape of the tooth and compromise the bonding of the veneer to it. As with the rest of your teeth, you should always brush the full area of the tooth well, including the gum line. If you don’t already, some form of inter-dental cleaning should also be used, whether tiny brushes or regular floss. Make sure too, that you see the hygienist at the Clock Tower Dental Clinic to help keep your mouth in tip top condition.

Detachment

A relatively rare, but not unheard of problem with dental veneers is that they occasionally become detached. Generally, this should not happen as the dental adhesive is very strong. It is perhaps more likely to occur towards the end of the veneer’s life as the adhesive degrades and becomes less efficient.

Whether newly placed or older veneers though, there are a few guidelines which can be followed to minimise the risk of your veneers detaching.

• Don’t bite your fingernails or on pens, pencils etc
• Don’t try to open packets with your teeth as this is an unusual action which can pull the veneer away from the tooth.
• Avoid harsh chewing with your front teeth – your rear teeth are designed for this
• Never open bottles with your teeth! This may seem obvious but rash actions like this are all too commonplace and can cause significant problems

In the unlikely event that a dental veneers does become attached, it is essential that you have it reattached by a professional. Do not attempt to do this yourself as you may harm the natural tooth through the corrosive chemicals found in many adhesives. If you experience any problems at all, please call the Clock Tower Dental Clinic on 01372 720136 and we will arrange a prompt appointment to see you.