A porcelain veneer is a thin medical-grade ceramic shell that a dentist places on the top or sides of the teeth. It is custom-made to fit on the tooth of each individual. Typically, people use this treatment to cover their teeth imperfections like chips, cracks, or discoloration. It’s a perfect and excellent way to restore a smile.
If you have porcelain veneers, perhaps you already know about these things. If you’re here looking for ways to care for your porcelain veneers, you’re at the right place. Here, we will tell you about the do’s and don’ts to keep your porcelain veneers well-maintained.
The Do’s
1. Do Practice Proper Dental Hygiene and Have a Regular Checkup
The best way to care for your porcelain veneers is to practice proper dental hygiene. When we say proper dental hygiene, that means regularly brushing and flossing your teeth. There’s no special brushing or flossing technique needed for porcelain veneers. Just brush your teeth the way you would usually brush them. However, make sure to brush your teeth twice a day and use dental floss daily or at least several times a week. That way, your teeth and gums will remain healthy, preventing any gum disease or other issues from developing.
Also, don’t forget to have regular checkups with the dentist so that they can do some deep cleaning on your teeth.
2. Do Adjust Your Eating and Drinking Habits
Having porcelain veneers also means that you should adjust your eating habits and alcohol intake. Remember that your porcelain veneers are not as strong as your original teeth. They are more vulnerable to chipping and cracking, so you should be careful about the food that you eat. As much as possible, avoid eating hard chips, meat with bones, and some raw fruits and vegetables as these can make your teeth chip or crack.
Also, avoid eating foods and drinking beverages with excessive amounts of acid and sugar because those can increase your risk of tooth decay. When it comes to alcohol, you should limit your intake or avoid it altogether because it can soften the bonding material used to attach your veneers to the surface of your teeth.
The Don’ts
1. Don’t Bite or Chew Any Hard Objects
Any hard food or object is an enemy of porcelain veneers. Your tooth is not a tool, so you should remove that habit of using it as one because it will only damage your teeth further. Never use your teeth to open a bottle or cap, and never chew on ice, pens, and other hard objects. Otherwise, your teeth and veneers are at great risk of chips, cracks, and even complete veneer detachment.
3. Don’t Get Used to Teeth Grinding Tendencies
Another habit that most people do is grinding their teeth. If you also do the same, immediately stop it because it can impact the appearance of your teeth and porcelain veneers and can also alter your bite. If you can’t stop it, it’s best to consult your dentist. They will help you address the issue so that you can keep your teeth in good shape.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to care for your porcelain veneers, you can now keep them well-maintained and expect them to last longer. Remember the do’s and don’ts so that you can get the most benefits out of your porcelain veneers. With well-maintained veneers, your confidence will shine and you can flash that stunning and natural smile anytime.
Smart Dental Care offers cosmetic dentistry in Utah. We can help you make your dream smile a reality through our wide range of cosmetic dentistry options available, including teeth whitening, veneers, and implants. Book your appointment with us today!