Front teeth veneers are an easy way to get that radiant Hollywood smile you have always dreamed of, but they can fail if they are not given proper care. Taking steps to preserve your veneers will allow you to enjoy their many benefits for as long as possible. Follow the tips below to get started.

Tips to Care for Dental Veneers

Brush Your Teeth Regularly

Just like natural teeth, dental veneers need regular brushing to stay in good condition. Brush your teeth twice a day, spending at least two full minutes on the task each time. This will ensure that the margins of your veneers stay clean and that the gums around them do not become diseased.

Use Non-Abrasive Toothpaste

Abrasive toothpaste contains tiny particles that can scratch the surface of your veneers, causing them to become dull and stained. Look for toothpaste that does not feel gritty and contains no baking soda or hydrogen peroxide. If you are not sure if a particular toothpaste is too abrasive, ask your dentist for advice.

Avoid Hard Candy & Other Hard Foods

Veneers may be strong, but repeated contact with hard foods or objects can still damage them. Minimize the number of hard foods you eat with your veneers on. If you want to eat something like an apple or carrots, cut them up first. Do not chew on pens or pencils or use your teeth to open things while wearing veneers.

Eating hard candy regularly also increases your risk of developing tooth decay, a problem which may cause your veneers to fail. Avoid eating candy and other high-carbohydrate foods after getting veneers to help them last as long as possible.

Avoid Tobacco Products

Tobacco products pose a double threat to veneers. Not only can they stain veneers so badly that they may need to be replaced, but they also significantly increase your risk of gum disease. Do not smoke or chew tobacco after getting your veneers and avoid exposure to second-hand smoke when you can.

Visit Your Dentist Regularly

Your dentist is your number-one ally when it comes to your oral health. Visit your dentist at least once every six months for a cleaning and check-up. During these check-ups, your dentist will examine the state of your veneers and let you know if they spot any signs of damage or any oral health problems that could impact your veneers.

Avoid Grinding During the Day

Bruxism (also known as teeth grinding) is an unconscious habit that many people engage in when they feel stressed or overwhelmed. Unfortunately, the pressure that bruxism puts on your teeth can shatter your veneers. If you grind your teeth, do your best to relax and stop doing it when you notice it.

Invest in a Nightguard If You Grind Your Teeth

Some people who grind their teeth do it at night without realizing it. If your dentist tells you that you grind in your sleep, you will need to wear a nightguard to bed to protect your veneers. Be sure to get a custom one made in a dental lab instead of a generic over-the-counter version. Custom nightguards not only provide better protection but are also much more comfortable to sleep with.

Protect Your Smile

Contact sports like football, rugby, and boxing all carry a high risk of dental injuries. Wear a mouthguard when engaging in these sports to protect your teeth and veneers while you enjoy the game. This safety equipment does not eliminate the chance of injury, but it should be enough to shield your teeth from most impacts.

Beware of Stains

Just like natural teeth, porcelain veneers can develop stains when exposed to dark-coloured food and drinks like blackberries, wine, coffee, tea, and tomato sauce. Avoid consuming these items as much as possible to preserve the attractive white colouring of your veneers. If you drink any dark liquids, use a straw to minimize their contact with your teeth.

Get Specialized Dental Veneer Care with Us

Your dental veneers are an investment in your self-confidence and well-being. Protect that investment with specialized care for dental veneers from Trillium Smile Dentistry. Our patients love the veneers we have installed for them and know they can always count on us to keep them in peak condition. Contact us today, and our team will be happy to answer all your questions about dental veneers cost, materials, and more.

If you are considering getting Invisalign, you may have heard about products called Invisalign chewies. What are these products, and how do they complement standard Invisalign treatment? Here’s everything you need to know about Invisalign chewies and their function.

What Are Invisalign Chewies?

Invisalign cheques are small, hollow foam cylinders that aid in Invisalign treatment. They are also sometimes called aligner tray seaters. When you bite down on these soft, springy items while wearing your aligners, they help nudge your aligners to fit more snugly against your teeth. Chewies come in many colours, making it a little more fun for kids and teens to use them.

Are Invisalign Aligner Tray Seaters Included in the Cost of Treatment?

Invisalign tray seaters are not included in typical Invisalign treatment. However, your dentist may recommend that you use them during your treatment and may even be able to offer you some samples to try out. You can easily purchase aligner tray seaters online from many different retailers, so you will always be able to get more when you need them.

How Do You Use Them?

Using aligner tray seaters properly is key to getting good results from them. To do this:

Do not place the whole chewy in your mouth when attempting to fit your aligners. You may accidentally choke on the chewy or swallow it.

You should also never use a chewy that has not been recently sanitized. Always keep more than one chewy on hand in case the first gets dirty. If you drop your chewy while using it, clean it thoroughly before putting it back in your mouth.

Benefits of Using Invisalign Chewies

Invisalign chewies augment your treatment in many ways. Using them regularly can help you:

Chew with Caution

Invisalign chewies are extremely helpful treatment aids, but they can also be very dangerous. Because they are so small and pliable, it is easy to choke on them.

To stay safe, be sure to always hold onto your chewies when using them. Never place the whole chewy directly in your mouth and chew it like a piece of gum. Remember, it only takes a moment for an accident to happen.

You should be extra careful when giving Invisalign chewies to kids. Although chewies are fun, many children misuse them. Ask your child’s orthodontist if they think your child is old enough to use a chewy safely before entrusting them with one.

Invisalign Chewies FAQs

How Do Chewies Help with Invisalign?

Invisalign chewies improve the fit of your aligners by eliminating gaps and air bubbles that get caught between the aligners and your teeth. This makes your aligners more comfortable to wear and may help your treatment progress more quickly.

How Often Are You Supposed to Use Chewies?

Most people who use chewies employ them every time they put their aligners back in their mouth. In some cases, your orthodontist may recommend that you use chewies just once per day.

Do You Reuse the Chewies?

Yes, you can and should reuse Invisalign chewies. Be sure to clean yours before each use so you do not ingest any bacteria when doing so. You should also replace each chewy when it starts to become thin and worn. This ensures that the chewy will provide enough resistance to be effective.

How Do You Clean Invisalign Chewies?

Invisalign chewies should be cleaned gently but thoroughly with soap and water after each use. If you do not have access to soap, a quick rinse under a faucet will suffice for the time being. Be sure to disinfect your chewies at least once per day.

Where Can You Get Chewies for Invisalign?

Some orthodontists sell Invisalign chewies for their patients’ convenience. You can also purchase chewies from dental and orthodontic supply stores or online at various retailers.

Are There Any Alternatives to Invisalign Chewies?

Yes. Movemints are small mint candies that are specifically designed to help seat Invisalign aligners properly. There is also a small Y-shaped product made of silicone called Munchies that works similarly.

Consult Us for the Best Invisalign Treatment in Mississauga

Using Invisalign chewies can significantly improve your Invisalign treatment experience, but choosing a skilled Invisalign dentist is even more important. Trillium Smile Dentistry is the place to go for Invisalign treatment. Contact us today for more information on our Invisalign prices, treatment timelines, and other key details you need to decide if this treatment is right for you.