If you want a long-lasting, durable way to improve the appearance of your teeth, your dentist will likely recommend porcelain veneers. These custom-made shells attach to the front of your teeth using dental bonding to build the brighter, straighter, fuller smile of your dreams.
Once you experience the cosmetic dental benefits veneers can offer, you will want to take action to ensure the effects last as long as possible. This will mean practicing effective aftercare for your new dental fixtures. Read on to find three tips for maintaining your porcelain veneers and getting the most out of this smile enhancement treatment.
Pay Attention to the Fit of Porcelain Veneers
Dentists make porcelain veneers on a custom basis for each patient. This means they factor in both aesthetic goals and the existing size, shape, and color of your teeth for a finish that looks both natural and gorgeous in your unique smile.
But this also means that you can count on these fixtures to feel and fit perfectly to your mouth as well. The dentist will check your ability to bite down before you leave their office. This effort ensures that the new fixtures do not disrupt your oral function.
It may take some time to get used to the feeling of veneers on your teeth. But if the veneers feel loose or misaligned, tell your dentist right away. Ill-fitting veneers can easily fall off the teeth or break. Make sure your veneers can last as long as possible by paying attention to them so that they fit properly.
Be Careful When Biting Hard Items
Dentists design porcelain veneers to withstand the pressure of chewing and biting that your teeth endure every day. But these fixtures will not be indestructible. Under high pressure, veneers can dislodge, chip, or crack.
If veneers break, then the underlying teeth become exposed to external threats that could hurt your smile. You will then need to seek urgent repair or replacement from your dentist to protect your dental health.
To avoid this dental emergency, you should not bite down on hard objects. Examples include fingernails, the end of a pen, or ice. If you grind or clench your teeth, talk to your dentist because this habit could also harm your veneers since it generates abnormally high pressure on the teeth.
Continue Good Oral Hygiene
Many dental patients appreciate that porcelain veneers will resist both staining and decay for long-lasting cosmetic benefits. But you will still need to take care of your smile to maintain good oral health.
If you contract gum disease or cavities on underlying teeth, this could alter the fit of your veneers. Then these fixtures could suffer damage.
To get rid of plaque before it hurts your teeth and dental work, practice good oral hygiene. This entails brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing each day, and visiting your dentist for routine teeth cleanings. Learn more about preventative oral health care by consulting with your dentist.