Porcelain Veneers and Dental Care: What You Should Know

veneers

Porcelain veneers are one of the most flexible ways to replace teeth that are cracked chipped, stained or otherwise negatively affecting your smile. But that doesn’t mean that they are invisible.

Like teeth themselves, porcelain veneers require care and maintenance in order to last, as well as frequent trips to your local dentists.

This five-minute guide is designed to keep your veneers looking great year after year through three quick and easy tips.

  1. Don’t Chew Hard Candy and Non-Food Items
    If this sounds familiar, it is because your mother told you this a hundred times as a child. And while we won’t go so far as to say your mother is always right — although she is — you should definitely be wary about hard candy or non-food items like ice.

    Of course, porcelain veneers are not fragile by any means, but just like with teeth, if chewing ice becomes a habit, it can eventually lead to chips or cracks.
  2. Keep Calm and Brush On
    Just because you are switching to veneers doesn’t let you off the dental hygiene hook. Just like with teeth, plaque and tartar can build up can lead to serious problems like gingivitis and cavities.

    Additionally, if you are among the 50% of all adults who don’t visit their dentists every six months, you might want to step up your game. Only a dentist can remove tartar build-ups, and they can also help you prevent other issues.
  3. Enjoy Your Smile
    There is one big advantage when it comes to veneer upkeep. They are remarkably stain resistant. Whether you are drinking three cups of coffee to get up in the morning, or a glass of red wine with dinner, you can rest easy that you won’t have to resort to bleaching strips.

While it might be tempting to think of your porcelain veneers as a permanent fix for flaws in your smile, that can be misleading. It is better to think of them as a second chance. A chance to start over new and practice the proper care.

If you are interested in exploring dental veneers, the staff at Loudoun Dental Associates is here to help. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact us today.