Porcelain veneers are a popular treatment for masking dental flaws and quickly enhancing the smile. Once porcelain veneers are placed, patients should understand how to properly care for their veneers to ensure they enjoy beautiful results for years to come. With proper aftercare, porcelain veneers can last a decade or longer. Fortunately, caring for porcelain veneers is simple and not much different than caring for your natural teeth. Follow these porcelain veneers aftercare tips from the dentists of SSS Clinic, Ealing to keep your smile, and your veneers, looking their best.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Practicing good oral hygiene is one of the most effective ways to care for porcelain veneers. Good oral hygiene helps prevent gum disease and tooth decay, both of which can interfere with the lifespan of porcelain veneers.
In order to prolong the life of porcelain veneers and protect oral health, the teeth should be carefully brushed at least twice a day. Flossing is also essential and should be done at least once each day. It’s also important to schedule regular dental exams and cleanings to identify any oral health problems early and to protect the teeth from plaque and tartar buildup.
Avoid Aggressive Brushing
Although regularly brushing the teeth is necessary to properly care for porcelain veneers and protect your oral health, aggressively brushing the teeth can damage the veneers. Aggressive brushing, which includes using a hard-bristled toothbrush, too much pressure, or an overly abrasive toothpaste, can scratch or dislodge porcelain veneers. To avoid damaging veneers, use light but even pressure, a soft-bristled toothbrush, and a non-abrasive toothpaste.
Don’t Chew on Hard Objects
Chewing on hard objects, like pen caps or your fingernails, can chip or fracture veneers and should be avoided. It’s also important to avoid using the teeth as tools, for example, to open packages or to crack open a nutshell. Biting down on hard foods, such as ice, hard candies, or popcorn kernels, can also cause damage to porcelain veneers and should be avoided.
Avoid Drinking Dark Beverages
Dark beverages, specifically coffee, black tea, and red wines, can stain the resin used to bond porcelain veneers to the teeth, diminishing the results of treatment. Avoiding dark beverages after having porcelain veneers placed can help keep your smile looking its best. If you drink coffee or other dark beverage, using a straw can reduce contact with the teeth and reduce the risk of stains.
Wear a Mouthguard When Playing Sports
Sports-related injuries can damage porcelain veneers and the natural teeth. Wearing a mouthguard while playing sports or other physical activities can help protect porcelain veneers from chips or fractures.
Seek Treatment for Bruxism
Bruxism, or teeth grinding, can drastically shorten the lifespan of porcelain veneers. Those who suffer from bruxism should seek treatment for their teeth grinding to protect both their veneers and their natural teeth.
Learn More About Porcelain Veneers Aftercare
For more tips on caring for porcelain veneers, we welcome you to schedule a free consultation with one of our west Ealing dentists today.