Cheers to a lifetime of veneers!A guide to caring for your enhanced teeth

At El Paso Modern Dentistry, we set you up for success with your new veneers. From our office on the Westside of El Paso, Texas, Dr. Enrique Darancou uses only the highest-quality dental ceramic or porcelain to craft your veneers. We use only the most exacting and precise techniques when designing, placing, refining, and bonding your new, stunning tooth structure. So, you have considerable peace of mind that your veneers will not only look great but that they will also hold up well for many years – even a lifetime!

The success of your veneers actually starts well before the first veneer is made. An evaluation is conducted to ensure that you are a good candidate for veneers. Sometimes, seemingly cosmetic problems are actually the symptoms or complications of oral health conditions requiring prompt resolution. For instance, discoloration and “staining” can indicate dental decay or cavities. 

All patients who are good candidates for veneers must have healthy teeth and gums. Additionally, they must have realistic expectations and be empowered with knowledge about how to care for their veneers. 

What you can do 

Dental porcelain is lauded for its beautiful, lifelike appearance, strength, and durability. Yet, no material is impervious to damage. The underlying tooth, too, can remain vulnerable to future damage if oral care is lacking and inconsistent. It’s important for us to anticipate and actively respond to any behaviors and conditions that may have prompted your need to have veneers applied in the first place. 

Before & After Results

While Dr. Darancou tailors recommendations to each patient’s unique situation and personal characteristics, there are some general tips that are “veneer”- and “tooth”-friendly for all:

• Avoid any products that contain tobacco or nicotine. Porcelain is highly stain-resistant; however, this material can still become discolored over time. Plus, smoking and the use of other nicotine-containing products also puts you at risk of oral cancers, infections, severe gum disease, and tooth decay (due to its role in decreasing saliva production). Do it for the good of your veneers, mouth, and your overall health and “self.”

• Minimize staining foods and beverages. Coffee, tea, wine, pasta sauce, blueberries, and other foods that stain a shirt can also discolor your veneers over time. Some of these foods carry with them their health benefits. So, if you can’t (or don’t want to) remove them from your diet, be sure to rinse periodically with water when sipping on tasty beverages. Or brush as soon as possible to minimize the build-up of pigmented particles on dental work and natural tooth structure. 

• Keep the effects of acidic foods at bay. Oranges, other citrus fruits, and additional healthy dietary choices can be extremely acidic. For instance, the acids in tangy grapefruit or sour pickles can weaken the tooth structure of its vital minerals and eventually erode the teeth. And, while veneers and dental restorations do not decay like natural teeth, the underlying tissue can – and this process may lead to the need for much more extensive restorative work, such as fillings, inlays, onlays (partial crowns) and full dental crowns. “Chase” acidic foods with water. Maintain a balanced diet and reach for options to help offset the effects of their much more acidic counterparts. Good choices range from bananas, melons, and beans to cheese, green tea, and bread. 

• Behavioral modification can be game-changing for your teeth. Chronic teeth-grinding often occurs at night while patients are asleep. So, they may not even know they are grinding their teeth. Dentists like Dr. Darancou often spot this condition, known as “bruxism,” when they see the telltale signs during regular exams. These signs include chipped, cracked, and excessively worn teeth and dental work. To protect your veneers and natural tooth structure, Dr. Darancou may advise and provide you with a custom oral appliance to wear while at rest. These nightguards or oral splints prevent the teeth from making contact with each other, which minimizes the risk of future damage. For the same reason, it is also advised to avoid chewing on any hard objects that could break your veneers – from fingernails and ice to pens and packages (don’t open them with your teeth!).

Of course, one of the best things you can do for your veneers, teeth, and gums is to visit El Paso Modern Dentistry regularly for professional cleanings and exams. During these check-ups, we can also advise on good brushing and flossing techniques and oral care products. Call (915) 581-4440 to schedule your appointment at our office in the Westside area of El Paso, TX.