Caring for Your Porcelain Veneers
 Porcelain veneers are an incredibly effective cosmetic treatment for improving the appearance of your visible teeth, greatly enhancing the beauty of your smile and boosting your confidence. These small, thin, shell-like restorations have the power to completely transform your smile. Porcelain veneers typically last 15 to 20 years. To ensure that they last, it is important that you take good care of them. Raptou Family Dental can help.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene Practices
Porcelain does not develop decay or cavities. The areas of your teeth around the veneers, as well as all of your other teeth, still can, however. Cavities around the edges of your veneers can develop underneath the porcelain shells, compromising both the veneers and the natural tooth. You can also still develop gum disease with veneers. Gum disease can lead to gum recession, which can affect the aesthetics of your treatment.
To ensure that your veneers last, it is essential that you maintain a good oral hygiene routine. This includes brushing twice a day, flossing once daily, and having your teeth professionally cleaned and examined every six months. With proper care, you keep your veneers safe and protect the health of your mouth.
Watch What You Chew
Porcelain veneers are fairly strong, but they are not indestructible. It is important to watch what you chew on. Avoid chewing on foods that are incredibly hard, including ice. You should avoid chewing on inedible items such as your fingernails or writing utensils. It is also important that you do not use your teeth to open packages or tear tags off of clothing or other objects. These habits can be detrimental to your veneers, causing significant chips and cracks.
Avoid Drinking Too Much
The occasional drink may not cause any issues, but excessive alcohol consumption can affect the integrity of your veneers. This is because alcohol can dissolve the bonding agent holding your porcelain veneers to your teeth, weakening it. This does not necessarily mean that your veneers will come loose or fall out, but it can lead to damage or deterioration around the bonding line.
Avoid Stains
Porcelain is designed to be stain-resistant, and they are very good at it. However, that does not mean that they are impervious. If you smoke or use other tobacco products, it is recommended that you quit as the chemicals in these products can cause unsightly stains. You should also avoid eating or drinking large amounts of anything that can cause stains such as coffee, red wine, soda, dark berries, and beets.
Mouth Guards and Night Guards
Your veneers are an investment, and you want them to last. If you play contact sports, it is highly recommended that you wear a mouth guard. A mouth guard helps to protect your teeth as well as the other structures in your mouth, preventing serious harm. They can also protect your veneers.
A night guard is similar to a mouth guard in appearance. This oral appliance, however, is made to be worn while you sleep. It is designed to treat a condition called bruxism. This is the grinding and clenching your teeth, a condition that places excessive pressure on your teeth and your veneers. Wearing a night guard will help to protect your natural teeth and your veneers from wear and potential damage.
With proper care, your porcelain veneers will last you many years. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, call Raptou Family Dental today at (614) 427-0449.
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