Porcelain Veneers Aftercare: Simple Steps to Keep You Smiling
Do you have new porcelain veneers? In addition to enjoying your smile makeover results, you will be happy to know that taking care of them doesn’t involve any odd techniques or fancy gadgets.
Our patients in Edmonton find that in some respects, porcelain veneers aftercare simply involves the same good oral health habits that are used for real teeth. One additional step is avoiding items that could dull the porcelain veneer.
- Use a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. Hard-bristled toothbrushes and abrasive toothpastes can scratch and dull the porcelain veneer - much like using an abrasive cleaner on a porcelain kitchen sink. Over time, the finish will dull and attract stains. Keep your veneers clean by using a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle toothpaste. Ask our team about current recommendations for toothpaste.
- Avoid certain fluorides. Some fluorides are acidic and deteriorate the shine on your porcelain veneers. We can advise you on the correct fluorides to use.
Other tips for caring for your porcelain veneers are the same healthy habits you should have for your real teeth, including:
- Don’t use your teeth as tools. That means, no tearing bags open with your teeth. And don’t try to loosen that screw-top with your teeth either. The tearing motion might cause the veneer to twist, which could cause it to chip or break.
- Don’t chew on your pencil or any hard object. Chewing on a hard object or holding them with your teeth isn’t good for real teeth and it’s not good for veneers. So don’t bite your fingernails, hold hairpins with your teeth, or chew on ice.
- Don’t grind your teeth. Tooth clenching and grinding puts extreme pressure on teeth and veneers. Your veneers could be broken or become dislodged. Nighttime grinding can be mitigated by wearing a bite guard while sleeping.
- If you play sports, use a mouthguard. Just as you would protect your own teeth, you want to protect your veneers. Veneers are durable, but they can chip, crack, or break. So protect them with a mouthguard when you play sports.
- Brush and floss. Your real teeth need to be brushed and flossed. So do your veneers. The goal is to eradicate decay. While veneers can’t decay, the natural tooth structure beneath the veneers is still vulnerable to decay. Decay can also occur where the tooth and veneer meet. So brush your teeth twice a day and floss to ensure plaque does not damage the teeth. Another reason to floss: Incomplete plaque removal can lead to gum disease, which may cause your gums to recede. Should the gums recede, the edge of your veneers could be exposed and leave a gap between the veneer and your gums.
Avoid Foods or Products that Could Stain
Porcelain veneers have a glass-like surface that minimizes staining. However, they can still become stained with time.
Some of the products that can stain the teeth over time include:
- Coffee
- Tea
- Wine
- Tobacco
- Some medications
Visit Your Dentist on a Regular Basis
To maximize the lifespan of your veneers, be sure to visit our office on a regular basis. We provide care of both your teeth and your veneers. With regular visits, we can advise you on the health of your whole mouth and ensure you don’t get off-track.
Do You Need More Advice about Caring for Your Veneers?
We know you are proud of your new smile and want to ensure the best care for your porcelain veneers. Please contact our offices so we can answer all your questions about taking care of your veneers.
