As dental technology has advanced over the years, one of the products of these advancements is porcelain dental veneers; a popular form of cosmetic dentistry. These thin shells of material are created to look like teeth and are used to cover flaws in the front portion of your teeth, enhancing your overall appearance. Veneers have the ability to change the shape, size, length, and color of your teeth. Patients with discolored, broken, chipped, gaps, or other flaws in their teeth can use veneers as a way to improve their smile and boost their confidence.
Porcelain veneers help many individuals have that flawless, beautiful smile that they have always dreamed of. Even though porcelain veneers are very durable, if you want them to last for a long time, then you need to make sure they are properly cared for. They (porcelain veneers) can last 10-15 years if they are well-maintained, while composite resin veneers last on average 4-8 years. Here are some tips to help you properly care for and maintain your porcelain veneers.
Tip 1: Practice Proper Oral Hygiene
In order to keep your veneers looking flawless for many years, the best thing you can do is to practice proper oral hygiene. This will not only prolong the life of your veneers but also keep your mouth healthy. Even though porcelain veneers do not decay there are still parts of the teeth that may be exposed and be at risk for decay. You will need to brush twice a day and floss once in order to keep your veneers in tip-top shape.
Tip 2: Soft Toothbrush and Proper Toothpaste
When you have porcelain veneers you need to make sure that you are using a soft toothbrush when you brush your teeth. Hard-bristled toothbrushes can cause the polish on your veneers to become damaged. Try and stay away from toothpastes that have harsh abrasives as they also can cause damage to your veneers. Ask your dentist in Kirkland to recommend a good toothpaste to use on your veneers. Electric or traditional toothbrushes, either will work.
Tip 3: Prevent Gum Disease
Gum disease has the tendency to cause inflammation in the gums and sometimes cause them to recede. Receding gums have the tendency to expose part of the veneer which could in turn impact the overall appearance of them as well as your smile. Continue to practice proper oral hygiene and see your dentist if your veneers become damaged.
Tip 4: Frequent Dental Check-Ups
When you have porcelain veneers it is important that you do not miss your six-month check-up with your dentist. Your gums and teeth will remain healthy and your veneers can be repaired if need be. Keep your regularly scheduled appointments to prolong the life of your veneers.
Tip 5: Avoid Chewing on Objects
Even though porcelain veneers are durable they are not quite as strong as regular teeth. Try not to chew on hard objects such as ice, your fingernails, pens, and pencils. If you chew on a hard object it could cause your veneers to chip or become damaged.
Tip 6: Avoid Grinding and Clenching Teeth
If you grind or clench your teeth this is a habit that should be stopped regardless if you have veneers or not. It has the ability to wear down your veneers and can cause severe damage to the porcelain. If you have a habit of clenching or grinding your teeth you need to talk to your dentist about treatment options that can help you stop this bad habit before it causes damage to your teeth or veneers.
Tip 7: Avoid Foods That Stain Your Teeth
Most porcelain veneers are stain-resistant; the adhesive that is used to keep your veneers attached is not resistant to stains. This could cause the edges of your veneers to become darkened or yellowed. Try to avoid drinks such as coffee, soda, and try to use a straw to decrease the chances of these drinks staining your veneers.
Tip 8: Quit Smoking
Everyone already knows what a bad habit smoking is, and it is also bad for your veneers. It can cause your veneers to become stained and discolored. If you want them to look their best then you need to make sure you do not smoke.
Porcelain veneers can make a tremendous improvement to your appearance and confidence. Taking proper care of them will ensure you have them for many years. Make sure you visit your dentist regularly to ensure they continue to keep your smile looking bright and beautiful.
Contact us today for more information on porcelain veneers in Kirkland.
Veneer Care at a Glance
If you want the short version, it comes down to this.
Do: brush twice daily with a soft brush and a non-abrasive paste, floss every day, keep your regular checkups, wear a night guard if you grind, and rinse with water after coffee, tea or red wine.
Do not: use whitening or charcoal toothpastes, chew ice, bite your nails, open packaging with your teeth, use your front teeth on hard foods like nuts and hard candy, or smoke.
Foods and Drinks to Watch
Porcelain itself resists staining well. The bonding line at the edge of the veneer does not, and that is where discoloration usually shows first.
The usual suspects are coffee, tea, red wine, cola, berries, tomato sauce, soy sauce and curry. You do not have to give them up. Drinking through a straw where it makes sense, rinsing with water afterward and not letting them sit on your teeth all day does most of the work.
Hard foods are a separate issue. Porcelain is strong but it is brittle, and biting directly into ice, hard candy, nuts or a crusty baguette with your front teeth is how veneers chip. Cut hard foods and use your back teeth.
Night Guards and Grinding
Grinding is the single most common reason veneers fail early. Most people who grind do it while asleep and have no idea, and the pressure involved is far higher than normal chewing.
If you grind or clench, a custom night guard is not optional. It is a thin appliance worn while you sleep that takes the force instead of your veneers. Signs worth mentioning to us include waking with a sore jaw, morning headaches, or a partner who hears the grinding.
How Long Do Veneers Last?
Porcelain veneers commonly last 10 to 15 years, and often longer when they are looked after. Composite veneers generally have a shorter life and are more prone to staining.
What shortens that span is usually grinding without a guard, using front teeth as tools, gum disease changing the gum line, or decay in the tooth underneath. None of those are about the veneer itself, which is why the habits above matter more than the material.
Veneers do not decay, but the tooth under them still can, and the gum around them still can. Ordinary brushing, flossing and checkups protect the tooth, and the tooth is what holds the veneer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Veneer Care
Can you whiten veneers?
No. Whitening products do not change the shade of porcelain, and whitening your natural teeth around veneers can leave the shades mismatched. Choose your shade carefully at the start, and whiten before veneers are made rather than after.
Can you chew gum with veneers?
Yes, sugar-free gum is fine and does not harm properly bonded veneers.
What toothpaste should you use?
A regular fluoride toothpaste that is not abrasive. Avoid whitening and charcoal pastes, which can dull the polish on porcelain over time.
Do veneers stain?
Porcelain resists staining well. The bonding line at the edges can discolor over the years, which is one reason regular professional cleanings matter.
What happens if a veneer chips or comes off?
Call us and keep the piece if you have it. Do not try to glue it back yourself. Depending on the damage a veneer can sometimes be repaired, and otherwise it is replaced.
Looking After Your Smile in Kirkland
Good habits are most of what keeps veneers looking the way they did on day one. If you are still deciding, our guide to the porcelain veneer procedure walks through what getting them involves, and you can see pricing and options for veneers in Kirkland on our main veneers page.
Looking after veneers is mostly habit. If something feels off, get it looked at early.
Kirkland Family Dentistry, North Juanita, Kirkland WA
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