Albertville, AL
If you’re living with a lost tooth, receiving a dental implant to fill that hole in your smile is the best tooth replacement option possible. If you’re wanting to improve the appearance of your smile, porcelain veneers simultaneously can correct a host of aesthetic issues. Implants and veneers have one key thing in common; both are permanent, along as you care properly for them. Today on the blog, your Albertville dentist presents this maintenance guide for both implants and veneers.
Step 1: Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush
Your tooth enamel is the hardest substance in your body but to keep your teeth clean, a toothbrush with soft bristles actually is recommended. A hard-bristled toothbrush can wear away enamel, damage your gums and potentially compromise dental work like veneers and implants.
Step 2: Remember to floss
Flossing is a key component of a regimen of oral care, even though studies and surveys have indicated that a significant percentage of Americans never floss at all. If you have implants or veneers, you can’t afford to neglect your flossing! Bacteria can accumulate around these restorations, leading to gum disease or areas of decay in the surrounding teeth.
Step 3: Don’t use an abrasive toothpaste
Certain types of toothpaste and mouthwashes have harsh abrasive ingredients. This abrasive quality can irritate the gum tissue surrounding a restoration or even dull or scratch the finish of veneers. Your best choice is to opt for a non-abrasive, fluoride-based toothpaste.
Step 4: Watch what you eat
They say you are what you eat, and if you have implants and veneers, then what you eat – and drink – can impact the condition of these restorations. You will want to avoid foods that are especially hard, chewy or sticky: popcorn and nuts being two prime examples. Make sure to cut steaks and crispy, raw produce into smaller pieces so your teeth have less work to do. You also should limit your consumption of alcohol and avoid using tobacco in any form.
Step 5: Keep acquainted with your dentist
By that, we mean keeping up the schedule of regular dental visits once every six months. Even if you diligently brush twice a day and floss daily, these checkups are vital to maintaining the best dental health. Each dental checkup at Wall Street Dentistry includes a thorough professional cleaning that removes all the plaque and tartar from your teeth and gums. This includes areas of the mouth that may be difficult to reach even with brushing and flossing. These checkups also provide your dentist an opportunity to monitor the current condition of restorations like implants and veneers.
Wall Street Dentistry offers implant dentistry as well as porcelain veneers for our patients in the areas of Albertville, Boaz and Guntersville, Alabama. The first step to receiving either implants or veneers is to schedule a consultation with one of our dentists. At this appointment, they will review your dental records and medical history, while also evaluating your current oral condition to determine if you’re a good candidate for your desired procedure. Make your appointment today by contacting us online or calling (256) 878-0525.