Porcelain veneers are the most widely requested type of veneer in cosmetic dentistry for a few reasons. Veneers are custom-made for your smile. They hide cracks, chips, gaps, and stains, while closely resembling the beauty of a natural smile. And, as a biocompatible material, p orcelain is extremely durable. With proper care, porcelain veneers can maintain their appearance for 15, 20 or even 30 years.
What is the proper way to care for your porcelain veneers?
Caring for your porcelain veneers is mostly a matter of continuing your healthy oral hygiene routine. By following some simple guidelines, your veneers will look great for years to come.
Don’t forget to brush and floss
To keep your veneers as bright and healthy as possible, continue to brush twice daily and floss once a day. Although porcelain veneers are resistant to staining, brushing ensures any stain-causing foods and liquids are cleaned away each day.
Use a soft-bristled manual or electric toothbrush to avoid scratching the surface of your veneers. This will keep them looking their best. When flossing, take care not to snap the floss in place. Rather, make sure to floss well enough to remove particles caught between teeth. This ensures the ongoing health of your mouth and gums.
Finally, when it comes to toothpaste, opt for a fluoride-based gel toothpaste that’s formulated for sensitive teeth. Steer clear of toothpastes with whitening ingredients or harsh abrasives like baking soda and hydrogen peroxide since they can scratch veneers.
Say yes to regular checkups
Plaque and tartar are constant enemies of good oral health. Visit Dr. Frahm for your regular dental check-up and cleaning. During these visits, we’ll also check for and repair any damage that may have occurred to your veneers. At this time, we’ll professionally polish your veneers to bring back their luster. Simply by keeping your regularly scheduled dental appointments, you’ll prolong the life of your veneers.
Hold off on the hard stuff
Porcelain veneers are incredibly strong and adhere to your body’s natural DNA. But that doesn’t mean they are indestructible! Avoid chewing hard foods and objects to keep your veneers from cracking or chipping. Steer clear of ice, hard candy, and nuts. Avoid the temptation of chewing on pens, pencils and fingernails and don’t use your teeth to open packages.
Stay away from stains
Many foods and drinks can cause your teeth to become discolored and stained. Even though porcelain veneers are mostly stain-resistant, the adhesive that keeps them in place is not. That means that the edges of your veneers can darken due to consuming coffee, tea, red wine, dark sodas and some dark fruits and vegetables. If you can’t eliminate these from your diet completely, always make sure to brush your teeth immediately after eating and drinking.
Stop the daily grind
Clenching and grinding teeth are harmful for your oral health. These unconscious habits are particularly harmful for your porcelain veneers. Grinding and clenching will shorten the lifespan of your veneers by wearing down them down and damaging the porcelain.
If you know you suffer from bruxism, talk to Dr. Frahm about treatment options such as the use of a nightguard to save the integrity of your teeth and gums.
Be a good sport
For active adults who engage in contact sports, special care should be taken with your porcelain veneers. If you enjoy shooting hoops or playing touch football with family and friends, invest in a mouth guard to protect your veneers, just as you would with your natural teeth.
Say no to smokes
Aside from the health benefits of quitting smoking, stopping the habit will also prolong the life of your veneers. Nicotine stains both teeth and veneers and dulls your beautiful smile. Save your health, prevent gum disease, and show us your smile!
Are you interested in hearing about the benefits of porcelain veneers? Schedule an appointment to talk to Dr. Frahm to discuss Emprethin veneers and our other cosmetic options.
