Caring for Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers can give you the smile you've always dreamed of. Keep your porcelain veneers looking their best with these aftercare tips from the Boston based cosmetic dentistry practice Dental Associates of New England.

The Importance of Properly Caring for Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers can transform the appearance of your teeth, creating a flawless smile. With proper care, you can ensure your beautiful smile will last for years to come. Properly caring for porcelain veneers begins with maintaining healthy gums and teeth. Though porcelain veneers cover the front surface of the teeth, parts of the natural tooth are exposed and vulnerable to tooth decay. Practicing proper oral hygiene can help decrease the likelihood of developing cavities, which may require the removal of porcelain veneers so the underlying tooth structure can be treated. Brushing at least twice a day for a minimum of two minutes, flossing once a day, and seeing your dentist every six months can help reduce the risk of dental decay and help prolong the life of your porcelain veneers.

Caring for Your Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are durable and can be cared for much like your natural teeth; however, practicing a little extra care may help prolong the life of your porcelain veneers to well over ten years. Here are just a few tips you can practice at home to keep your veneers looking and functioning their best.

• Brush and floss daily. Brushing and flossing on a daily basis is vital to maintaining healthy gums and teeth, which in turn is key to prolonging the life of porcelain veneers. With porcelain veneer treatment, the natural tooth is still vulnerable to decay. Thoroughly brushing for two minutes at least twice a day and flossing at least once a day are key to keeping the natural teeth healthy and ensuring a long life for your porcelain veneers. 
• See your dentist for regular checkups. Don't skip regular dental checkups. Dental checkups are important to ensuring your teeth and gums are at their best. Also, regular dental checkups can help detect problems with porcelain veneers at the earliest signs of damage.
• Do not use abrasive toothpastes or hard bristled toothbrushes. Though porcelain is a strong, durable material, regular use of hard bristled toothbrushes and highly abrasive toothpastes can scratch the surface of the veneer, making the veneer susceptible to staining.
• Skip the dark alcoholic beverages. Certain types of dark alcoholic drinks, like red wine, can stain and soften the bonding agent used to attach the veneers to the teeth.
• Don't chew on metal or hard objects. Chewing or biting hard objects, like pen caps, can chip or crack porcelain veneers. Avoid chewing on any hard objects that may damage your veneers. 
• Wear a mouthguard. Not all porcelain veneers patients require a mouthguard but those who grind their teeth or play contact sports should consider wearing a mouthguard to help protect the porcelain veneers from wear and tear.

Schedule a Consultation Today!

For more information about porcelain veneers treatment and aftercare, or to find out if porcelain veneers are right for you, we invite you to schedule a consultation with the Dental Associates of New England.