When it comes to cosmetic dentistry, porcelain veneers are among the most popular treatments. These tooth-colored porcelain shells are thin, yet super strong. They can conceal a number of aesthetic imperfections, such as chips, cracks, discoloration, misalignment, and more. If you’ve invested in custom porcelain veneers, it’s important to care for them properly so you can enjoy a beautiful smile for many years to come. Here, our team at Metropolitan Dental Care in Denver offers 9 tips for maintaining your porcelain veneers.
Are you interested in learning more about porcelain veneers? Schedule a consultation at Metropolitan Dental Care by calling 303-534-2626.
#1: Practice proper hygiene.
First thing’s first – brush and floss your teeth every single day. Just like natural teeth, veneers require daily care. Poor oral hygiene can result in decay and gum disease, which can have a serious negative impact on your veneers.
#2: Choose the right toothbrush.
We always recommend using a soft toothbrush. Medium or hard brushes can scratch porcelain restorations as well as lead to gum recession and enamel erosion.
#3: Choose the right toothpaste.
You may have used whitening pastes prior to receiving your veneers. We do not recommend whitening pastes for veneers or any other dental restorations. Some kinds of toothpastes can be too abrasive for natural teeth and porcelain veneers. For example, avoid ingredients like sodium bicarbonate and hydrogen peroxide – these can cause your veneers to erode and lose their color and sheen.
#4: Alter your diet accordingly.
Apples, carrots, and similar foods are often too hard and can chip the porcelain off of your veneers. Furthermore, foods that are high in sugar increase the risk of tooth decay. It’s best to eat a well-balanced diet, full of leafy greens. We also recommend avoiding staining agents like red wine, colas, coffee, tea, and soy sauce. Or, at least consume these foods and beverages in moderation. Veneers are stain-resistant, but they can still become discolored over time.
#5: Don’t use your teeth as tools.
It can become habitual to use your teeth for removing clothing tags or grooming your nails. If you’ve developed a behavior such as this, it’s important to stop. Otherwise, your veneers (and your natural teeth) can become damaged.
#6: Protect your veneers against bruxism.
If you suffer from bruxism – teeth grinding or clenching – you should address the problem before receiving veneers. Bruxism can not only wear down natural enamel, but it can also chip or damage porcelain restorations. To help protect your veneers against bruxism, consider a custom oral appliance. This can cushion the teeth and prevent damage associated with the condition.
#7: Avoid excessive alcohol consumption.
When your veneers come into contact with excessive alcohol, the bonding material that holds the veneer to the tooth can wear thin. This makes it far more prone to damage, stains, and deterioration. Consequently, you should also ensure that any mouthwash you use is alcohol-free.
#8: If you’re an athlete, wear a mouth guard.
All athletes should wear a mouth guard during games and practices, whether they have dental restorations or not. Sports-related injuries are one of the leading causes of dental damage. A custom mouth guard can protect your smile and your oral health.
#9: Attend routine dental appointments.
To maintain healthy teeth and gums, most patients require dental visits every three to six months. If you have veneers, it’s important to follow your dentist’s recommendation for cleanings and exams. These visits give our team a chance to assess your veneers and ensure they are still in good condition.
Learn More about Porcelain Veneers at Our Denver Practice
To learn more about porcelain veneers, or any of the other cosmetic services we offer, schedule a consultation with Metropolitan Dental Care. Contact us online anytime or call our Denver or Lone Tree office at 303-534-2626.
