When you walk away with dental veneers in Portland, OR, you’ll be proud of your beautiful new smile. Veneers can transform an ordinary or unattractive smile into one that will make you feel proud to show off those pearly whites. Don’t let the excitement of those first few days wane by letting your veneers get dingy. Here’s how to keep them looking brand new.

Be Diligent About Oral Hygiene

If poor oral hygiene was what caused you to need veneers in the first place, it’s time to change your habits. Be diligent about brushing and flossing after each meal. Rinse with an ADA-approved mouthwash. Above all, follow your dental veneers care instructions that your dentist gave you.

Avoid Problematic Foods and Beverages

You can eat and drink as usual when you have dental veneers. There’s no reason to give up your favorite foods unless they are problematic. Problematic foods and beverages include things that could damage veneers or stain them badly. These include:

• Popcorn (accidentally biting into a hard kernel)
• Peanut brittle
• Ice (no chewing on ice)
• Chewing gum (talk to your dentist about this)
• Red wine
• Berries (brush and rinse thoroughly afterwards)
• Fried chicken (avoid extra-crispy versions)

See Your Dentist Regularly

Now that you have veneers, it’s even more important to keep up with your dentist appointments on a regular basis. Your dentist in Portland may recommend a visit once every six months, or more frequently. Whatever your dentist recommends, make sure you keep those appointments. This is when your dentist will be able to check on the condition of your natural teeth and veneers to help ensure they last as long as possible.

Use common sense when it comes to caring for your veneers in Portland, OR, but also defer to your dentist’s recommendations. Dental veneers can remain looking brand new as long as you treat them well.