For patients seeking long-lasting cosmetic enhancement in their smiles, dentists often recommend porcelain veneers. These shell-like caps attach to the front of a patient’s teeth using dental bonding. They construct a brighter, straighter, and more even smile according to a patient’s aesthetic goals.
Once you experience the benefits of veneers, you will want to ensure you get the most out of these dental fixtures. Read on to learn three tips for caring for your porcelain veneers that will help them last for as long as possible.
Aftercare Advice for Your Porcelain Veneers
Pay Attention to Your Bite
Your dentist will construct custom-made porcelain veneers if you pursue this cosmetic dental treatment. They factor in the shape, size, and color that would best suit your smile as well as your aesthetic goals.
This individualized attention to your dental fixtures ensures that you get a beautiful final look that also appears natural. But this effort also helps make the veneers fit comfortably and securely in your mouth.
Your dentist will check your bite for you after they attach the veneers to the front of your teeth. They want to make sure that the fixtures do not disrupt your ability to perform oral functions.
It may take some time to get used to the feeling of the veneers over your teeth. However, if your veneers seem loose or misaligned, you should reach out to your dentist. Ill-fitting veneers may interfere with the appearance of your smile as well as your oral health. So you should not ignore this type of concern.
Avoid Abnormal Pressure on Your Teeth
Dentists design porcelain veneers to withstand everyday wear and tear that your teeth endure. However, these fixtures are not indestructible. If exposed to high levels of pressure, veneers can crack or dislodge.
This type of damage to your veneers can harm the cosmetic enhancement of your dental work and may also put the underlying teeth at risk of decay and other dental concerns. You will likely require urgent care to repair or replace the broken veneers.
To prevent this damage, you should avoid biting down on hard items such as ice or fingernails. Talk to your dentist if you have a habit of clenching or grinding your teeth too. These behaviors generate pressure that could harm your veneers as well as your teeth, so you should seek help to stop them.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Patients appreciate that porcelain veneers can resist staining, decay, and many other dental issues. However, veneers will still garner plaque and harmful residues that can impact the health of your underlying teeth.
To ensure your teeth stay strong enough to support your cosmetic dental work, you should keep them clean by continuing to practice good oral hygiene. This entails brushing your teeth twice each day and flossing daily. Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid scratching your veneers.
Visit your dentist for routine teeth cleanings for optimal preventative dental care. These appointments also allow your dentist to check that your veneers are still working as well as they should.