Porcelain veneers are custom-fit covers for the front of your teeth that can improve the aesthetic appearance of the tooth. Veneers are often a great choice for people with cracked, chipped, uneven, or discolored teeth who are looking for a perfect smile without the hassle of orthodontic or whitening treatments.
They are long-lasting, often enduring for up to 10 years, but it’s important to note that veneers are not suitable for patients with unhealthy teeth. In cases of extreme decay or trauma to a tooth, alternatives like dental crowns and dental implants are worth considering instead.
Overall, porcelain veneers are just as easy to maintain as your natural teeth. Here’s what you need to know to keep your veneers looking beautiful for a decade.
Develop a Good Oral Hygiene Routine
Caring for porcelain veneers is straightforward and requires little thought outside of your traditional oral hygiene routine. As long as you’re brushing your teeth twice daily and flossing once a day, you’ll be able to keep your porcelain veneers in good condition. A comprehensive oral care routine should include:
- Using the Right Toothpaste. Choose a non-abrasive toothpaste for brushing with dental veneers. This helps prevent unnecessary wear on the veneer while keeping your teeth clean and your breath fresh.
- Flossing. Just as with your natural teeth, flossing between your teeth once daily helps prevent decay, unsightly staining, and plaque buildup.
- Rinsing with a Mouthwash. Rinse out your mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash 1-2 times a day. Use mouthwashes that are free of alcohol. Alcohol can loosen the bonding agent that holds the veneer to your teeth, making them more susceptible to deterioration over time.
Avoid Tooth Grinding
Grinding your teeth or bruxism can wreak havoc on your veneers because it puts undue stress on them. If you become aware that you clench your teeth regularly or grind them unconsciously at night, talk to your dentist about the potential causes of bruxism and how to prevent the behavior. In some cases, your dentist may fit you for a nightguard to protect against grinding at night when you’re asleep.
Watch What You Eat
Just like your natural teeth, porcelain veneers can stain over time. However, unlike your natural teeth, their color cannot be modified with whitening treatments. As such, it’s up to you to reduce your intake of foods that are known to stain teeth so you can keep your smile pearly white.
Avoid foods such as berries, soy sauce, and tomato-based sauces. Certain beverages can also be culprits for staining and discoloration because they contain tannins. Coffee, sodas, red wine, and tea should all be enjoyed in limited quantities for this reason. Smoking can also discolor your veneers.
Break Bad Habits
While porcelain veneers are tough and can sustain similar force to your natural teeth, they are more brittle than natural enamel. To avoid chipping and premature breakage, you’ll need to curb any bad habits like chewing on your pen cap while you work or biting your nails.
Make Frequent Visits to Your Dentist
Once you get your porcelain veneers, make visiting your dentist every six months a priority. Not only will attending your regularly scheduled dental appointments ensure your veneers are in good condition, but these visits can help your dentist catch any other oral health issues early, so they don’t progress to a severe stage.
Bring Back Your Smile
If you are interested in improving your smile with porcelain veneers, schedule a consultation with our office today. Our TruBlu Dentistry team can answer all of your questions about getting and maintaining your porcelain veneers.