So, you took the plunge and now have a flawless smile comprised of porcelain veneers. Your first thought might be to dial up a casting agent to inquire about your potential for tooth paste commercials, but your next thought should be – How do I keep this quality smile for as long as possible?
Porcelain veneers don’t last forever. Typically veneers can last from 10 to 20 years, but if you want to get the most mileage out of your new mouth, you must care for it properly. Here are some essential tips to showing your new veneers some love.
Your Mouth is For Eating
We see kids putting anything and everything into their mouths – whether they’re eating it or just chewing it. As adults, you’d think we’d know better than to put anything in our mouths other than oral hygiene products and food. Not so. We open bottles, pull off tabs, and mindlessly gnaw on pens. With your new veneers, these habits must end. Your veneers are durable, but there’s no reason to unnecessarily wear them down or put them under stress.
Use Gentle Cleaning Methods
To increase the longevity of your porcelain veneers, proper and regular brushing is necessary, but there is such a thing as too much of a good thing. Be sure to opt for a soft bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive tooth paste. Though you might want to give extra attention to your new smile, aggressive care tools can bring your new polish to a much a quicker end.
Stain Protection Isn’t Just for Laundry
The amazing thing about your new veneers is that they’re mostly stain resistant, but their adhesive is not. It’s best to side with caution when it comes to eating or drinking anything that can cause stains. Coffee, green tea, beet juice, ice tea, sodas, and cranberry juice are just a few things that can cause staining. Though your veneers are built to be stain resistant, take care not to tempt fate. Try to avoid these stain causers altogether and when you do have them, drink them through a straw. If you smoke, your new veneers might be just the motivation you’ve been looking for to quit. Smoking is not only staining, but can contribute to poor oral and overall health.
The Relationship Is Just Beginning
You might think your new veneers are the answer to all your teeth ailments, and you won’t need a check-up until well down the road. Wrong. I’m sure whatever led you to choose veneers seemed like a lot of dental chair time, but getting them doesn’t miraculously give you a free pass to not get routine check-ups. Seeing your dentist regularly is essential to making sure your veneers and oral health are on track. Your dental professional can spot any problems quickly and can ensure your mouth is the optimal home for your new veneers.
We here at Shine Dental Group want you to have the best experience possible with your porcelain veneers. With proper care, you’ll be loving your smile and it will be loving you for a long time.
