If you are dissatisfied with the appearance of your smile, porcelain veneers can be the perfect cosmetic dental treatment for you. These cap-like shells secure to the front of your teeth to create an even, natural-looking smile.
Once your smile is enhanced, you want to take steps to keep these aesthetic benefits for as long as possible. Dr. Alan Dechter and Dr. Matthew Moy, dentists in Silver Spring, MD, provide three tips to taking care of your porcelain veneers for long-lasting cosmetic effects.
Pay Attention to Your Bite
You may need some time to get used to the feeling of porcelain veneers over your teeth. Your dentist constructs veneers with the unique color, size, and shape of your teeth in mind and then polishes them to ensure the perfect fit at the end of your cosmetic procedure.
With proper maintenance, veneers can last for fifteen years. If your veneers seem loose or misaligned after you leave the dentist’s office, you should contact your dental professional to have them adjusted.
Avoid Biting Hard Items
Porcelain veneers are built to endure the wear and tear that your teeth experience on a regular basis. However, veneers are susceptible to breakage if exposed to abnormal amounts of pressure.
For this reason, you should avoid biting down on hard items, such as ice, fingernails, or the end of a pen. If you grind your teeth, your dentist may ask you to wear a mouthguard at night to protect veneers from the pressure of this behavior that can occur as you sleep.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Your veneers are supported by your natural teeth, so you want to keep your teeth healthy with proper oral hygiene habits. Brushing teeth twice per day and flossing daily removes plaque build-up from your teeth and prevents tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental issues.
Veneers are resistant to staining, but plaque can still gather on these fixtures and cause harm to your teeth. Good oral hygiene regimens can ensure teeth are strong enough to support veneers for as long as possible.