Teeth that look both healthy and attractive are one of the most important and desirable physical attributes of the century so far, and the pressure to obtain a picture-perfect smile is very real. Fortunately, no matter what condition your teeth are in, there are cosmetic dentistry solutions that can help you find your smile again, with porcelain veneers one of the most effective for achieving perfectly shaped, white teeth.
Porcelain veneers are thin shells that are custom made to fit over the outside of your teeth. You can have a single veneer or an entire set depending on your requirements. These bespoke fingernail-style covers can also be stained in a color that either matches the rest of your teeth or, in the case of a full set, brightens your overall smile, enabling you to achieve the kilowatt grin that you have been hoping for.
Porcelain veneers can be used to cover a range of smile imperfections including:
- chips, cracks and other superficial damage
- stains and discoloration
- teeth that are worn down or set back from the rest
- teeth that are misaligned/gapped
Although they look very fragile, porcelain veneers are tougher than you might expect. They rarely crack, unlike dental bonding, and they are largely resistant to staining. However, this doesn’t mean that they don’t require some TLC to keep them in tip-top condition. To help you make the most of our smile transformation, here’s what you need to know about how to take care of your porcelain veneers.
Keeping them clean
One of the easiest and most obvious ways to care for your porcelain veneers is to keep them clean. Fortunately, this is fairly easy since veneers can be brushed just like natural teeth. Be sure to choose a soft-bristled brush so that you don’t cause them any damage, and brush twice each day for at least two minutes. You should also make time to floss at least once each day since this removed plaque from between the teeth, where it can easily become trapped. Failure to clean your teeth properly could see you developing gum disease which can cause the gums to recede and the edges of your veneers to be exposed.
Be fussy about your toothpaste
Not all kinds of toothpaste are created equal and some are less than ideal for patients who have had veneers. Those which contain abrasives, hydrogen peroxide, and sodium bicarbonate can also cause damage to your veneers, triggering them to look less attractive than they were when they were placed. Instead, ask your dentist which variety they would recommend.
Don’t use your teeth as tools
Although not everyone is guilty of this habit, many of us inadvertently rely on our teeth for various things, essentially using them as tools. If you have ever used your teeth to open a bottle or rip into some packaging, stop this habit immediately. This can damage your actual teeth and will certainly cause problems for your veneers. Ideally, you should avoid biting any sort of hard objects, such as biting ice, chewing pens or even eating very hard candy.
Be wary of what you eat
What you eat is something that will need to be given special consideration when you have veneers. A diet that contains lots of sugar and acid, such as through sweet treats and soft drinks or fruit juice, will put you at greater risk of developing tooth decay, which could lead to damage to your veneers. Equally, any foods or drinks that are known to cause staining should ideally be avoided to prevent any risk of discoloring your new veneers. Your dentist will be able to advise you on what constitutes a healthy and nutritious diet that is also good for your teeth.
Visit your dentist regularly
Although porcelain veneers are fairly strong, this doesn’t mean that they are completely infallible to damage. By visiting your dentist regularly, you will allow them to closely monitor the condition of your veneers. That way, if any problem does develop, it can be addressed quickly and before it has a considerable impact on your smile.
If you are considering porcelain veneers and would like more advice on how to take care of them, our knowledgeable and dedicated dentistry team would be delighted to help. Please call our offices to speak to us and schedule your appointment.