Porcelain Veneers Aftercare: Making a Smile Makeover Last
At Chrisman & Wyse Cosmetic & General Dentistry in Bloomington, we are pleased to offer porcelain veneers, a great cosmetic dentistry and smile makeover option. While they are durable and versatile, they do not last forever.
Let's consider what aftercare of porcelain veneers involves and how you can make them last as long as possible.
About Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are thin shells of dental ceramic that are placed on top of a tooth that suffers from some form of aesthetic flaw, such as a chip, a crack, discoloration, or problem with spacing and evenness. The veneers are very thin and semi-translucent, and they blend in seamlessly with your smile.
How long will my porcelain veneers last?
In many cases, porcelain veneers will last about 10 years. With proper dental care, porcelain veneers can last up to 15 years.
Reasons for Porcelain Veneer Replacement
The main reason that porcelain veneers will need to be replaced eventually is wear and tear. While porcelain veneers are quite durable, they are not indestructible, so they are are subject to the same sort of damage that teeth are over time. Porcelain veneers may also need to be replaced due to major damage or injury to the mouth, such as those sustained in serious auto accidents or sports injuries.
If a patient suffers from tooth decay around or beneath a porcelain veneer, the veneer will need to be removed and then replaced in order for the tooth decay to be treated.
Proper Dental Hygiene Is Key to Making Veneers Last
The best way to make your porcelain veneers last as long as possible is to practice proper good dental hygiene. Brush your teeth at least twice a day and be sure to floss your teeth every night. This helps remove food particles from between the teeth and prevents tooth decay as well as gum disease.
Wear Mouth Protection During Sports
Since major blows to the head and mouth can result in porcelain veneer damage as well as chipped and/or cracked teeth, it's important that you wear mouth protection when playing contact sports or participating in combat sports. This can mean the difference between a replacement veneer and a flawless smile.
Refrain from Using Tobacco Products
Tobacco products lead to staining and other major issues with the health and appearance of your smile. The tobacco can stain the natural tooth structure around the stain-resistant veneer, requiring replacement sooner due to aesthetic problems. Quit using tobacco products to maintain good dental health and a great-looking smile.
Be Careful of Substances That Cause Tooth Stains
In addition to tobacco products, be wary of coffee, red wine, tea, soft drinks, beets, berries, curries, tomatoes, and carrots. These can all lead to stains, and it's ideal to keep the tooth structure around the veneer as clean and stain-free as possible.
Visit Your Dentist for Regular Checkups
Visiting your dentist twice a year for regular visits helps you get the dental care that you need to maintain the condition of your porcelain veneers.
Learn More About Cosmetic Dentistry Options
If you would like more information on proper care of your porcelain veneers and other matters related to dental health and wellness, be sure to contact our cosmetic and restorative dentistry center today. We at Chrisman & Wyse Cosmetic & General Dentistry look forward to hearing from you and helping you have the most beautiful smile possible.
