Though there are a range of different ways someone can correct imperfections in their smile, porcelain veneers are one of the most common. These small, durable, dental-grade porcelain shells are attached to the front surface of your pearly whites to cover up chips, minor alignment issues, small gaps between the teeth, and other imperfections. Though veneers last a while, there are several things you can do to expand their lifespan even further. Read on to learn how to get the most out of your porcelain veneers.
#1: Good Oral Hygiene
Though you may know that brushing your teeth twice per day for two minutes and flossing once per day is an important part of keeping your teeth healthy, it can also extend the lifespan of your porcelain veneers. Make sure you aren’t being too aggressive when cleaning your teeth as this can damage your veneers and cause chips and cracks to form. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid scratching your veneers, and consider asking your dentist about the best technique to use when cleaning them.
#2: Use a Different Toothpaste
If you use whitening toothpaste that contains abrasives like charcoal or baking soda, these won’t whiten your veneers in the same way that they whiten your natural teeth. While they can help prevent your teeth from staining over time, your veneers are color-matched to your pearly whites and can’t be whitened with toothpaste. Using these kinds of toothpaste may even scratch your veneers and make them look worn over time.
#3: Watch What You Eat
If you chew on hard candy, ice, pencils, and other hard things, this can damage your natural teeth and cause unsightly chips and cracks to form in your veneers. Though your veneers are unlikely to become discolored from eating and drinking pigmented things, the stains these can cause on your natural teeth will leave a noticeable difference between the two, which can make your smile look dull or uneven.
#4: Stop Smoking
As if there weren’t enough reasons why smoking is bad for you, it can also hurt your porcelain veneers. Tobacco can damage your natural teeth and your veneers by leaving unappealing yellow stains on them. To keep this from happening, cut back on tobacco products or cut them out of your life completely.
#5: See Your Dentist
By visiting your dentist twice per year for regular checkups, they can do a thorough exam to make sure you haven’t developed any oral health issues that may jeopardize your smile. They can also thoroughly clean your teeth to lessen your chances of developing cavities or gum disease, two things that may negatively impact the lifespan of your veneers.
If you’re interested in enhancing your smile and removing imperfections, speak with your dentist about porcelain veneers. With proper care, they can have your smile looking healthy and beautiful for years to come!
About the Practice
With three convenient locations, Tylan Creek Family Dentistry offers patients of all ages exceptional dental care. They take pride in helping families learn to better care for their pearly whites so they can feel more comfortable and confident in their smiles. If your smile needs a pick-me-up, they offer life-like porcelain veneers to refresh your grin and make you look younger and healthier. To make an appointment or for more information on the benefits of porcelain veneers, call their Simpsonville office at (864) 962-6671, their Greenwood office at (864) 407-4455, their Powdersville office at (864) 603-2200, or visit their website.