Getting porcelain veneers on your teeth is one great option when it comes to restoring your smile. The dentist can repair just about any cosmetic ailment with veneers, including stained teeth, broken or chipped teeth, or crooked teeth. However, veneers are among one of the most costly ways to restore your smile, so it is crucial that you know how to care for them properly so that they can last for a long time.
The Good News
One great thing to keep in mind about porcelain veneers is that they are just like your real teeth when it comes to care and use. Unlike dentures or other orthodontia, you do not have to avoid different varieties of food, including sticky items or those that can stain teeth. You also brush and floss them in the same way you would your normal teeth. They are very durable teeth, but common sense will always prevail when it comes to making your veneers last.
Avoid Bad Biting Habits
Are you a person who has a habit of chewing on things to alleviate stress? Biting your nails, chewing on a pen cap, or using your teeth to open items is strongly discouraged when you have porcelain veneers. Those with these sorts of habits tend to use the same teeth to do the chewing and biting, which can cause them to wear out prematurely in that area. While it is not often that veneers become broken, it is possible if you are biting on hard surfaces on a regular basis.
Brush and Floss Daily
Just like you would your regular teeth, maintaining good dental hygiene is required. Do not make the mistake of thinking that because the teeth are not natural that they are devoid of cleaning. Porcelain veneers can still hold on to tarter and plaque buildup. Not removing this regularly can cause gum disease and cause cavities in any existing natural teeth that are in your mouth. Cavities can indeed happen with veneers, especially if you still have some of your natural teeth.
Keep in mind that you can still enjoy your favorite types of foods with porcelain veneers. The only thing you need to be careful with is hard candy, which would also be the case with natural teeth. If you are considering porcelain veneers, keep in mind that it is an investment and will need good care. Talk to your cosmetic dentist about the option and whether or not they will be right for you.
Share4 November 2016
Toddlers should see a dentist for the first time by the age of twelve months or by the time their first tooth comes in. But if you are a parent with toddlers anything like mine, the prospect of going to the dentist (let alone anywhere!) can be pretty intimidating. My kids were a handful growing up. They had tantrums any time we would have to sit in a waiting room, and they refused to get in the dentist's chair during their first few visits. So, I had to employ a professional to help me make the transition to finally getting them in that dental chair without all the screaming and crying. I know I'm not the only parent in this situation, so I decided to share the information I've learned with others who can use a little help. You can find all my advice right here on these pages!