Dental health is vital

Porcelain Veneers: 3 Tips on How to Maintain Them

by Felecia Butler

Veneers can hide various types of imperfections, like discoloration, cracks and chips, while still seamlessly blending in with one's natural teeth since they can be made from 18 different shades of porcelain, and are individually sculpted to fit the smile of each patient. From a cosmetic standpoint, porcelain veneers are a great investment, and they last an average of 10 years. With proper maintenance, they can last or an even longer amount of time. Here are 3 tips to implement.

Maintain Good Oral Hygiene

Many patients make the mistake of slipping up on their oral hygiene because their teeth look so perfect. Although durable, porcelain veneers are not resistant to staining and chipping. By keeping your teeth and gums healthy, you will be able to lengthen the lifespan of your veneers. Remember to brush consistently after eating to prevent acids from burrowing into the veneers and dark-colored foods from staining the veneers. In addition, floss before sleeping.

Although veneers are impenetrable to decay, the underlying teeth are still susceptible to bacteria, and they are the foundation for the veneers. If the health and condition of the underlying teeth is compromised, then the veneers may be more prone to chipping and other problems.

Get Mouth Guards

Do you grind your teeth often? The excess pressure from grinding will easily wear down the veneers and deteriorate their lifespan. Speak with a dentist about getting personalized mouth guards that can be worn when sleeping or when participating in sports and other recreational activities to keep the veneers in the best shape and condition possible. 

Avoid Hard Foods

Hard candy, nuts and other types of hard foods are a danger to porcelain veneers. Become more conscious about the texture of the foods that you are choosing in order to prevent exerting excessive amounts of pressure on the porcelain veneers. Unnatural excessive amounts of pressure may lead to chipping and cracking over time. It is best to consume softer foods when you have porcelain veneers. In short, even if you have a love for nuts, it may be time to switch over to other snacks.

Conclusion

By making some lifestyle changes, you can help maintain the condition of your porcelain veneers, so that they last a lot longer. Don't forget to attend regular dental appointments and visits (to a dental surgery such as A SMILE IN THE CITY) to make sure that you are on the right track, and that you are not doing anything that compromises the condition of the veneers.

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