Porcelain Veneers Aftercare

Porcelain veneers can be used to either subtly enhance or dramatically transform the appearance of your smile. And fortunately, one of the many benefits of porcelain veneers is that they can last for many years, even up to 10 years or more, when they are cared for properly. Though porcelain veneers are extremely durable, your dentist will discuss proper aftercare instructions after the porcelain veneers placement procedure. There is always the risk that porcelain veneers will need to be replaced if they are somehow accidentally damaged. The following habits will help to prolong your veneers, and keep your smile healthy and beautiful for as long as possible.

Proper Dental Hygiene

You will need to maintain excellent oral health habits after the placement of your porcelain veneers. Teeth should be kept as clean and healthy as possible, so as to avoid tooth decay, gum disease, or cavities. As always, you should brush and floss your teeth daily to protect the natural tooth structure underneath the veneer casing. Since cavities can develop under the veneers, it is also important to schedule regular dental checkups to detect tooth decay early on. It is recommended that you visit the dentist every six months for a routine dental exam and thorough cleaning.

Avoid Teeth-Staining Substances

Although most porcelain veneers are stain-resistant, in some cases, certain substances can cause discoloration. Your dentist may recommend that you stay away from red wine, coffee, soda, tea, and tobacco use for the best results. Certain medications also have a tendency to cause discoloration of the teeth. Be sure to tell your dentist which medications you are taking, so he can let you know if they may cause staining. Moreover, if you have veneers placed on some, but not all of your teeth, the natural teeth can become stained, in which case a teeth whitening treatment may be recommended to renew their luster and pretty white hue.

Choose an Experienced Porcelain Veneers Dentist

It is important to see a cosmetic dentist who has experience with porcelain veneers, even after the veneers have been placed. Qualified porcelain veneers specialists are better suited for helping to maintain veneers than general dentists. Regular visits with a cosmetic dentist may be recommended up to four times per year, in which he or she will help keep the veneers polished and detect any problems in their earliest stages.

Visit the DocShop gallery to view porcelain veneers before and after photos.

Photo credit: Smiles on Broadway Dental Care

Correct Bad Habits

To keep the veneers from chipping or wearing down, avoid habits such as chewing on ice, fingernail biting, and teeth grinding. Also avoid activities, such as contact sports, in which your veneers could be damaged, or wear a protective mouth guard if you do participate.

Locate a Dentist Offering Porcelain Veneers

Talk to a cosmetic dentist for more information on maintaining your smile for a lifetime. Docshop makes it easy to locate an experienced cosmetic dentist in your area. Schedule a consultation with a cosmetic dentist to determine whether porcelain veneers are the right course of action for your specific needs. While veneers are an excellent solution to correcting certain dental flaws, they are not necessarily for everyone. Find a dentist who will present all of your options, so you can achieve the smile of your dreams.