Porcelain veneers are a top choice for many people aiming to have a beautiful, natural-looking smile that lasts. They can help bring back confidence and radiance in everyday interactions thanks to their ability to repair smiles with long-lasting materials. At the same time, porcelain veneers can be an investment, and it’s only reasonable to want that investment to last as long as possible.
This is where taking excellent care of your veneers comes into play. Veneers last a long time on their own, but taking care of your veneers properly can sustain their life even further. There are many different ways to do so, helping you get the most bang for your buck and keep that dazzling smile top-tier.
1. Picking the Right Toothpaste and Brushes
A lot of people think that veneers can withstand a mere toothbrush with ease, and for the most part, they can. However, using the wrong toothbrush or toothpaste can wear down your veneers over time and lead to damage, so it truly does matter which products you use to care for your teeth!
For veneers, a soft-bristled toothbrush works best. Brushes with softer bristles can still provide an excellent clean but don’t come with the risk of scratching or degrading the quality of your veneers. Your dentist can always offer recommendations for brushes if you’re not sure of a brand or type that will work for you.
Likewise, it’s good to make use of non-abrasive toothpaste. A lot of toothpastes can be harsher on teeth, and the rough scrubbing sensation they provide can wear your veneers down faster and shorten their lifespan in the process. Toothpastes formulated for sensitive teeth or veneers in specific are your best bet to keep your veneers clean and beautiful.
2. Consider a Night Guard
You can do your best to take care of your porcelain veneers during the day, but at nighttime, when you aren’t always aware of what your teeth and mouth are doing, taking care of veneers can be harder. A night guard can be a comfortable solution to nighttime dental health. If you grind or clench your teeth in your sleep, a custom-fitted night guard might be perfect for you.
These guards are designed for you specifically based on your mouth and teeth and can add a protective shield to your veneers that prevents damage like chipping or cracking. This means that dental visits for a broken veneer are a thing of the past—or a thing of the very distant future, rather than the near future.
3. Eat Mindfully
Did you know that how you eat can affect the health of your veneers? Generally, most people know that super sticky foods or incredibly hard foods are out of the question, but it’s not just a matter of what you eat but how you eat it.
As you chew, slow and deliberate motions can help avoid extraneous pressure on your veneers. This can also reduce the likelihood of biting something with the edge of your teeth and causing a chip or crack, as it allows you to chew more carefully.
You should also avoid using your teeth to open things or to bite things that aren’t food to further reduce damage and prolong the life of your veneers.
4. Schedule Regular Professional Cleanings
Brushing and flossing can do a lot for your veneers, but to maintain them well, regular professional cleanings are key. You can set up an appointment with a dentist in Marietta, Georgia to have plaque or tartar buildup removed, have your veneers whitened professionally, and even ensure that your brushing habits are doing the trick.
Dental visits are also great for preventing further damage. Sometimes, veneer damage can be hard to spot if you’re not a professional. Visiting a dentist regularly means that your teeth are being assessed and any damage can be rectified before it gets worse, saving your teeth in the process.
5. Be Sure to Floss
On that note, flossing matters… A lot! Flossing prevents many different dental concerns and is also an integral part of veneer care, but you don’t want to floss with any random floss lying around your home. Because veneers can be sensitive or more fragile, using floss threaders or water flossers that are gentle on your veneers is best.
6. Avoid Staining
Stains are mostly cosmetic, meaning they only impact the appearance of your teeth; however, you likely don’t want your veneers to be stained and discolored. While porcelain veneers can be more resistant to staining than other forms of dental work, it’s still a good idea to avoid foods and beverages known to cause staining to keep your veneers shiny and white.
The main culprits of staining are coffee, tea, and red wine, but other food and drinks can cause stains too if consumed in excess. You can prevent staining by avoiding these items, or by rinsing your mouth out after consuming them. It also helps to use a straw for darker colored drinks, as this reduces how much of the liquid touches your teeth.
7. Stay On Top of Oral Health
Finally, it’s important to be proactive about any dental issues that may pop up. Tooth sensitivity and gum problems, for example, are a sign that it’s time for a dental visit. Untreated dental concerns can impact the bonding of your veneers, so it’s necessary to promptly have any dental concerns addressed.
Smiling For Years to Come
Porcelain veneers are a great way to elevate confidence and rock a stunning smile. They can revive your smile even if it has been plagued with dental issues for a while, bringing new life to your self-esteem and interactions.
Porcelain veneers are made to last, but how you take care of them truly makes all the difference. Properly caring for your porcelain veneers through great dental hygiene and mindful choices can keep your veneers in great shape for the long run.
Written by:
Wohlers Family Dentistry
3733 Canton Rd, Marietta, GA 30066
+17709269914
