How to maintain Porcelain Veneers so they last for decades!
Let’s talk about how to care for veneers. Dental veneers are a popular cosmetic dentistry option in Preston. They are thin, custom-made shells of tooth-coloured materials designed to cover the front surface of a tooth to improve its appearance.
Although veneers are designed to be durable and long-lasting, proper care is necessary to ensure that they stay in good condition and last for as long as possible. In this article, we will discuss the effective ways to care for your veneers and how to keep them looking their best.
From the importance of regular oral hygiene to limiting certain habits, to watching your diet, this article will provide you with the information you need on how to care for veneers and maintain a beautiful, healthy smile.
How to Care for Veneers; Tips to Help
#1: Brush and floss regularly
Brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing at least once a day is essential to maintaining the health of your teeth and gums, as well as the longevity of your veneers. Brushing helps to remove plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that can build up on your teeth. And flossing helps to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth.
It is also important to note that if you have poor oral hygiene, it can lead to potential problems such as cavities, and gum disease, which can affect the veneers in the long run.
#2: Avoid hard and crunchy foods
Hard and crunchy foods, such as ice or hard candy, can put a significant amount of force on veneers and cause them to crack or chip. To protect your veneers, it’s best to avoid these types of foods altogether or to chew them with your back teeth. Additionally, extremely hot or cold foods can also potentially cause damage to veneers.
#3: Limit teeth-staining habits
Veneers are made of stain-resistant materials, but they are not completely stain-proof. Consuming foods and beverages that are known to cause stainings, such as red wine, coffee, and tobacco can still cause discolouration over time.
To maintain the colour of your veneers, it is important to limit your consumption of these items. If you can’t limit them, consider brushing your teeth or rinsing your mouth immediately after consuming them.
#4: Wear a mouthguard
If you grind your teeth at night, you may be at risk of cracking or chipping your veneers. A mouthguard worn at night can help to protect your veneers from the force of grinding.
#5: Avoid biting hard objects with your front teeth
Porcelain veneers are thin shells of material placed on the front surface of the teeth. As a result, they can be damaged more easily than natural teeth. Hard objects such as pens, pencils or even fingernails can put undue pressure on veneers and cause them to crack or chip. Avoid biting or chewing hard things with your front teeth.
#6: Regular dental check-ups
This is important when talking about how to care for veneers. It is important to see your dentist regularly as part of your oral health care routine. Your dentist will be able to detect any potential problems with your veneers and address them before they become a bigger issue.
In addition, regular check-ups will allow your dentist to assess if your veneers are fitting correctly and if they need any repairs or replacement.
How Long Do Veneers Last?
The lifespan of a dental veneer can vary depending on the type of veneer and your oral hygiene, habits, and overall oral health. On average, veneers can last between 10 to 15 years.
Porcelain veneers tend to last longer than composite veneers due to their durability and resistance to staining. With proper care and maintenance, veneers can last for many years. But over time, you may need to replace them due to wear, chips, cracks or other issues.
Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene can also help to extend the life of your veneers by detecting any issues that may arise and addressing them in a timely manner.
Chipped Veneers; What Should I Do?
If your veneer chips or breaks, you should contact us as soon as possible to schedule an appointment to have it repaired or replaced.
In the meantime, it is important to take some steps to protect the damaged veneer from further damage. You should avoid eating or biting hard foods or objects, as this can cause further damage to the veneer. You should also try to avoid putting too much pressure on the damaged veneer when you are brushing or flossing your teeth.
If there is a sharp edge and it causes discomfort, you can use a small amount of dental wax to cover it and make it smooth.
Once you have scheduled your appointment with Holly Dental, we will assess the condition of the veneer and determine the best course of action. If the chip is small and not affecting the stability of the veneer, we may simply smooth the edges of the veneer to make it more comfortable to wear. However, if the chip is larger or there are signs of wear, you may need a replacement.
Can I Still Play Sports with Veneers?
Yes, you can play sports with veneers, but it is important to take some precautions to protect your veneers and your teeth. You should consider wearing a mouthguard while playing sports to protect your veneers and your teeth from any potential trauma or injury.
Mouthguards are there to absorb the shock of a blow to the mouth and distribute the force evenly. So it will significantly reduce the risk of chipping or breaking your veneers.
However, even with a mouthguard, you should avoid any contact sports that may lead to a blow to the mouth. These can cause damage to your veneers and your natural teeth.
Do you want to learn more about how to care for veneers and whether they are a fit for you? Schedule a consultation with us in Preston by calling 01772 561 748 or emailing us at reception@hollydental.co.uk.
