Porcelain veneers are one of the most versatile applications that can be used to correct and restore your smile. If your teeth are cracked, crooked, stained, or even gapped porcelain veneers are a great way to give yourself the smile that you’ve always wanted. Veneers are thin shells of porcelain that are custom made to fit your tooth. Porcelain veneers are strong and long lasting but also give a natural looking surface. They also require that less tooth enamel needs to be removed, unlike crowns or caps.
So, now that you know what porcelain veneers are, it’s time to learn more about how to care for them. In this blog post we will be going over some of the basic tips for care and practice when it comes to veneers. Keep reading to learn more!
Keep Up With Routine Check-Ups
Just like your regular teeth veneers can also collect plaque and tartar, making it important to keep up with your routine cleanings and checkups at the dentist. Even though you now have a synthetic cover on your teeth, you should still keep up with your routine cleanings at the dentist’s office. This is also a great time for your dentist to check up on your veneers and make sure that everything is looking and feeling great!
Not only should you still see your dentist after getting veneers, but you also need to maintain the same dental care that you did before. This means that you should still be brushing and flossing twice a day. You should also be aware to limit your sugar intake and eat healthy foods. Remember that just because you have veneers does not mean that you don’t need to take care of your teeth!
Your dentist may also suggest that you schedule a check up shortly after getting your veneers. Even if you feel like your teeth are doing fine, it’s still important to listen to your dentist and follow up with any appointments or suggestions that they make!
Avoid Staining Foods and Drinks
While porcelain veneers are considered to be stain resistant, they can still become stained over time, same as your natural teeth. So when you first get your veneers, you may hear your dentist tell you to avoid certain stain-causing foods and beverages. These may include things like black coffee, red wine, teas, dark sodas, soy sauce, berries and more. Another very common cause of discoloration is smoking, so if you smoke you may want to consider quitting. After all, it’s not just bad for your teeth, but for your overall health as well.
Do Not Chew On Hard Items
Just like natural teeth, chewing on hard items like pens or using your teeth as tools to open bottles can potentially damage your veneers. If you’re someone who finds that you’re chewing on the same spot or using your teeth as tools, you’ll find that your veneers are going to wear down over time.You should also be wary of ice and hard candy. Eating or chewing these should be done in moderation as to avoid potential damage.
Quit Grinding Your Teeth
Many of us are guilty when it comes to gridining our teeth, especially because we don’t notice that we do it! Tooth grinding can become a serious issue when you’re constantly clenching and shifting your teeth during at night. If you know that you grind your teeth, or you suspect that you may be doing it, let your dentist know. Most of the time they will just fit you for a mouthguard that will keep your teeth from grinding at night. Just like your natural teeth, grinding your veneers can lead to serious issues too. With all the time and money that you spent on your new pearly whites, it would be a shame to let them get damaged!
Get Your Veneers Polished
You can preserve the life of your dental work by getting your veneers polished. You can get this done about every three months. When you get your veneers polished, your dentist will use specialized solutions and equipment to ensure that your veneers and original teeth are thoroughly cleaned.
All in all, the best way to take care of your porcelain veneers is to treat them as if they were your natural teeth. At Luxe Dental Spa, we specialize in a full range of preventative cleanings and cosmetic dentistry, including porcelain veneers! Not only do we provide you with the best quality care and service, but we also provide you with all the knowledge you need to take care of your new teeth. To set up a consultation or schedule an appointment, contact our office today! We, at Luxe Dental Spa, look forward to helping you get the smile of your dreams!