Patients seeking ways to improve the look of their teeth can find long-lasting cosmetic benefits with porcelain veneers. Dentists affix these shell-like fixtures to the front of a patient’s teeth to construct a whiter and straighter smile.
Once you experience this smile enhancement yourself, you will want to preserve your veneers for as long as possible. Check out these three tips for maintaining porcelain veneers to get the most out of your cosmetic treatment.
Aftercare Advice for Porcelain Veneers
Check for Bite Interference
Your dentist constructs porcelain veneers on a personalized basis for each of their patients. This means that you can count on fixtures made to look beautiful and fit appropriately with your smile. They will appear both enhanced and natural when put into place.
Before you leave their office, your dentist will check your bite to make sure that the veneers are attached properly and do not interfere with your oral functions. You should note that it may take some time to get used to the way that veneers feel on the front of your teeth.
However, if your veneers feel loose or misaligned, you should let your dentist know as soon as possible. You may not get the best cosmetic results if your veneers do not fit correctly. They may also be prone to falling off.
Avoid High Amounts of Pressure on Your Smile
Porcelain veneers can withstand typical wear and tear, but they are not indestructible. Abnormally high levels of pressure could cause veneers to dislodge or break, requiring repair from your dentist.
For this reason, you should avoid biting down on hard items, like fingernails or the end of a pen. You should also talk to your dentist if you have a habit of grinding or clenching your teeth. This behavior generates pressure that could harm your veneers. If you tend to grind your teeth, your dentist may suggest treatment for the issue or recommend an alternative cosmetic solution.
Practice Proper Oral Hygiene
Many dental patients appreciate that porcelain veneers can resist staining and decay for long-lasting smile enhancement. But veneers can still garner plaque which can erode your underlying teeth. This can harm your oral health and lead to your veneers not providing optimal cosmetic effects.
You should practice good oral hygiene to remove plaque in a timely manner from your smile. Your routine should include brushing your teeth twice per day and flossing on a daily basis. Be careful when using mouthwash as some solutions may negatively impact the bonding that holds the veneers in place.
Your oral hygiene regimen should also involve visiting your dentist regularly. During these visits, a dentist will scrape away plaque and tartar from hard-to-reach spots of your smile, preventing structural harm from forming on your smile. They will also check your teeth and gums for potential issues and ensure that your veneers are working the way that they should.