Having flaws in your teeth can leave you feeling so self-conscious that you avoid spending time with others for fear of being judged. Fortunately, your dentist can provide porcelain veneers to enhance your appearance and boost your confidence.
These thin ceramic shells are customized to match your teeth and then bonded to their front surface to mask imperfections like chips, cracks, discoloration, gaps, and mild overcrowding. They’re incredibly durable and can last 20+ years, but that’s only if you care for them correctly. Continue reading to learn three things you can do to keep your restorations in good shape!
Tip #1: Consistently Clean Your Mouth
Your veneers are made from resilient porcelain that can’t get cavities, but the underlying teeth are only partially covered, so they are still susceptible to decay and disease. If your enamel starts to thin or your gums become infected and recede, it leaves your prosthetics without a firm enough foundation, and they could fail.
Brushing and flossing twice daily regularly removes plaque and buildup of unhealthy bacteria that contribute to oral issues. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a non-abrasive toothpaste to scrub germs away without gauging the surface of your veneers.
Tip #2: Avoid Grinding Your Teeth
Although your restorations are permanently cemented in place, engaging in certain patterns and behaviors can potentially damage them. For example, bruxism (chronic teeth grinding) occurs when you subconsciously clench your teeth together, typically at night. Whether or not you’re aware that you’re doing it, all the added pressure can wear down your enamel prematurely or dislodge your prosthetics.
Your dentist can provide a custom-fitted nightguard to create a layer of cushion between your upper and lower arches to safeguard your smile.
Tip #3: Watch What You Eat
Your restorations are covered in a glaze strong enough to resist a certain amount of chipping and staining, but that doesn’t mean they’re completely invincible. Frequent or repeated exposure to harmful foods can eventually damage them or wear them down.
Avoid overly hard foods like candy, ice cubes, and nuts so you don’t chip or crack your veneers. Also, remember that your natural teeth may become discolored more quickly than the ceramic covers, so try to steer clear of foods known to tint them. You could develop an unevenly colored grin if you indulge in too many darkly pigmented options like coffee, tea, berries, and tomatoes, defeating the purpose of your cosmetic upgrade.
Now that you know more about maintaining your veneers, you can enjoy their many advantages for years to come!
About the Practice
At Khoi Dental Group, you and your family benefit from two dentists with 30+ years of combined experience. Dr. Khoi Le and Dr. Edward Murray share a passion for helping people of all ages build and maintain happy, healthy smiles. They offer a full array of services conveniently under one roof, and tailor their treatments to meet your unique needs. Then, they utilize state-of-the-art equipment to deliver accurate, long-lasting results. If you’re interested in veneers, you can request a cosmetic consultation on the website or call (904) 262-8449.