6 Tips to Avoid Paying for Nothing

By Jill Feilmeier on May 1, 2012 in Dental Health

Cosmetic dentistry is quickly becoming the go-to solution for imperfect teeth. While cosmetic dentistry doesn't have an effect on the health of your teeth, it can vastly improve the appearance of stained, crooked or chipped teeth.

Options like veneers can cover smaller gaps in teeth and cosmetic implants can fill in the large gaps. While there is not one solution for everyone, cosmetic dentistry can be tailored to make your teeth the way you have always wanted them to look.

What many people don't realize about cosmetic dentistry is that special care is needed for their new teeth in order to keep them in tip-top shape. Just like original teeth, veneers and implants can chip, crack, and become discolored.

To keep this from happening, we offer you six tips to prevent ruining your hard earned new teeth.

1. Avoid eating hard candies, popcorn and other very strong foods regularly. Porcelain used in veneers is very easily broken.
2. If you grind your teeth at night, ask your dentist for a mouth guard. A mouth guard will protect the porcelain from being damaged while you are sleeping.
3. Reduce the amount of acidic food you eat. Too much acid can contribute to the wearing away of the bright color of your veneers.
4. Limit your intake of dark-colored beverages. Even though veneers are sometimes used to cover stained teeth, if you don't change the habits that caused your teeth to stain in the first place,  getting veneers will not be useful. White porcelain is also susceptible to stains.
5. Choose toothpaste without abrasive materials such as baking soda.
6. Take good care of your oral health. Your cosmetic dentistry will need to be redone much sooner if you don't maintain a healthy mouth.

Cosmetic dentistry can be costly, but if you put effort into maintaining good oral health, it can be the best decision you ever made. A bright and healthy smile boots everyone's confidence.