If you want your smile to look brighter, more even, and straighter, ask your dentist about porcelain veneers. This cosmetic dental treatment uses shell-like caps that your dentist attaches to the front of your teeth to create an enhanced-looking smile.
Once you experience the aesthetic advantages of your veneers, you will want to make efforts to have these effects last for as long as possible. Read on to see three ways that you can take care of your porcelain veneers to ensure you get the most cosmetic benefits for your smile.
Aftercare Tips for Your Porcelain Veneers
Check Your Bite
Your dentist builds porcelain veneers on an individualized basis. This means that they consider the unique size and shape of your natural teeth to ensure that these fixtures will give you a gorgeous finish that will suit your smile.
When your dentist secures the veneers to the front of your teeth with bonding, they will ask you to bite down. This is to make sure that the fixtures do not disrupt your bite and inherently your oral functions.
It may take some time to get used to the feeling of veneers over your teeth. But if your veneers feel loose or misaligned after you return home, let your dentist know. Ill-fitting veneers can be more likely to break and could hurt your underlying teeth.
Avoid Abnormally High Pressure on Your Teeth
Dentists design porcelain veneers to be able to withstand routine use. However, they are not indestructible. Abnormally high levels of pressure could cause veneers to break or fall off.
For this reason, you should not bite down on hard-textured items, like fingernails, ice, or the end of a pen. If you have a habit of grinding or clenching your teeth, tell your dentist. This behavior generates pressure that could hurt your veneers.
Your dentist may suggest an alternative cosmetic treatment for you if you suffer from bruxism. They may also ask you to wear a night guard to protect your veneers from the pressure of teeth grinding as you sleep.
Continue Good Oral Hygiene Habits
Many dental patients appreciate the durability of porcelain veneers, which can resist both stains and decay. However, plaque can still form on the surface of these fixtures and affect the health of the underlying teeth.
You should continue your usual oral hygiene regimen to remove the plaque before it can cause dental problems. Cavities and gum disease can alter the structure of your smile, which may impact the effect of your veneers.
You can keep your veneers and your smile looking their best with thorough oral hygiene practices to prevent these dental issues. This entails brushing your teeth twice each day and flossing.
Don’t forget to visit your dentist for regular dental cleanings and exams! The dentist can also check that your veneers are still in good shape during these appointments.