If you decide to have porcelain veneers put on your teeth, it’s important to properly maintain them. Fortunately, maintaining your veneers is like keeping your natural teeth healthy.
A patient with a set of veneers needs to practice good oral health. This means brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash. In general, you do not want plaque-causing bacteria making themselves at home in your mouth. You should use a soft-bristled electric brush and your dentist may recommend using a non-abrasive fluoride treatment.
Patients should also avoid excessive force. While you should always avoid biting your finger nails, chewing on ice, etc., it’s especially important to stop those bad habits with veneers because they can cause the veneer to crack. The same goes for grinding your teeth. If you do it during the day, be conscious of what you are doing and try to stop yourself. If you have a tendency to grind your teeth at night in your sleep, your dentist will recommend a mouth guard.
Another thing to keep in mind is that, while veneers do not absorb stains as long as they maintain their glaze, the bonding resin can stain. You may see some discoloration if your gums start to recede. It’s best to minimize the consumption of items that are known to cause stains. These are the same things that stain the enamel of natural teeth. Some examples are coffee, tea, red wine, soda, and tobacco.
If you are interested in getting a set of porcelain veneers or have questions about keeping your mouth healthy and your current veneers in great shape, call us at Huntingdon Valley Dental Arts. Dr. Makrauer and Dr. Miller are happy to answer any of your questions.