Porcelain Veneer Care
Posted on: 3 August 2015
Porcelain veneer is designed to look and function like a natural, normal tooth enamel. While some aspects of porcelain veneer care are a little different from natural tooth care, veneer care involves only a few basic rules and tips.
Cleaning Routine
Your recommended tooth cleaning routine will remain the same with or without veneers. Brush your teeth and floss twice daily using a standard toothbrush, tooth paste and floss. There are toothpastes on the market that are designed specifically for cleaning porcelain veneers, but using these products is not necessary.
Keep in mind that failing to keep your teeth adequately clean can result in gum loss. Since your veneer is a cap placed over your teeth and ends at the gum line, recession of the gum line can result in a gap between the veneer and the gum. Correction of this problem can only be done by putting another veneer over your tooth.
Use Your Veneer to Chew Food Only
Some people use their teeth to do tough, non food-chewing activities like biting nails, tearing open bags, holding barrettes, chewing ice and other similar activities. While these activities put extra pressure on tooth enamel, healthy teeth can normally handle this kind of exertion. Unfortunately, porcelain veneer can crack or break when subjected to this kind of activity.
Avoid Staining
Tooth whitening products do not work on veneers. Using a whitening product to whiten your natural teeth can leave your veneers looking comparatively discolored, which will result in an unevenly white smile. If you have veneers, the best way to keep your smile white is to prevent stains from ever forming in the first place. This is done by avoiding foods and drinks that are known to cause stains. Limit your consumption of tea, red wine and coffee.
Wear Protection If You Grind Your Teeth
Grinding your teeth can cause the veneer to crack or break off. If you grind your teeth at night, be sure to guard your veneers by wearing protective hardware at bedtime. If you grind your teeth during the day, make a conscious effort to stop these activities before having veneers put in your mouth. If you can't stop grinding your teeth, then you may not be a good candidate for veneers.
For more information about how you can protect and maintain your porcelain veneers, speak with a professional dentist, like Pitts Patrick M. He or she will be able to advise you about the best ways to keep your veneers looking beautiful for many years to come.
Share