Porcelain Veneer Aftercare

If cosmetic flaws are standing in the way of your optimal smile, porcelain veneers could be the solution. Custom-crafted for your unique anatomy, veneers can mask chips, cracks, gaps, discoloration, and more. We offer this personalized treatment at Contemporary Dental Arts in Williston, VT.

Today, our team will discuss porcelain veneers aftercare and offer some tips for maintaining your smile for years to come.

ATTEND ROUTINE DENTAL VISITS

Regular dental cleanings and examinations are important for everyone. However, for those wearing veneers, it is absolutely crucial.

Routine dental examinations can help your doctor identify and treat problems early on before they worsen. Cleanings remove plaque deposits and harmful bacteria, and keep your smile looking and feeling healthy.

PRACTICE GOOD HOME CARE

Fortunately, there are no specialized techniques necessary for cleaning porcelain veneers. However, routine at-home care is essential to their longevity. Patients should brush thoroughly twice a day using a soft toothbrush and an ADA-approved fluoride toothpaste. Flossing should be completed at least once every day as well.

AVOID DARK-COLORED FOODS AND BEVERAGES

Although porcelain is resistant to staining, veneers can still become discolored over time. Therefore, it is a good idea to avoid dark-colored foods and beverages to maintain your restorations. This includes cola, tea, coffee, berries, fruit juices, and more.

If you drink coffee or tea daily, try sipping the beverage through a straw. This will keep contact to a minimum and reduce the risk of staining. Following these guidelines will help you keep your veneers looking brilliant.

DO NOT USE YOUR TEETH AS TOOLS

It can be tempting to use your teeth to crack a nutshell or open packages. Avoid this at all costs, as it can damage your veneers as well as your natural teeth.

Patients should also avoid bad habits such as chewing on pens or pencils or biting the fingernails.

Chewing on extremely hard foods, such as ice, popcorn kernels, or hard candy, can seriously compromise your treatment.

WEAR A NIGHT GUARD IF NECESSARY

Individuals who are prone to bruxism, or teeth grinding, should consider wearing a night guard. Bruxism can lead to severe tooth erosion, which can leave the natural teeth looking worn down or chipped.

Many patients seek treatment with porcelain veneers to conceal damage caused by tooth erosion. However, if nothing is done to combat the bruxism, extreme forces can damage your new veneers. For all cases of severe bruxism, a night guard should be worn to protect the teeth from damage.

ATHLETES SHOULD WEAR A SPORTS MOUTH GUARD

Anyone who plays contact sports should wear a mouth guard during practices and games. This includes individuals with and without porcelain veneers. Wearing a mouth guard on the court or field will cushion the teeth and protect them from trauma and damage.

CONTACT US TO LEARN MORE

At Contemporary Dental Arts, we understand that porcelain veneers are an investment in your smile. Therefore, it is important to protect that investment at all costs. The current lifespan of porcelain veneers is about 10 years on average. However, as materials continue to improve, they could last even longer.

Patients can keep their new veneers looking and feeling great by following the simple guidelines discussed above. To learn more, contact us online or give us a call at (802) 878-9888.