Porcelain dental veneers are thin shells that can be attached to your teeth to enhance their appearance. These dental devices are often placed in front of teeth to help hide flaws such as staining, discoloration or cracking. Veneers can also be used to alter the shape or size of worn out teeth. If you are planning to get dental veneers, read on to learn how to care for them to increase their lifespan. 

Practice good oral hygiene/habits

Regular brushing and flossing is necessary to help remove food particles that may get stuck inside the veneers and increase your risk of developing gum disease or tooth decay. You should also use gentle motions while brushing and avoid hard-bristled toothbrushes that may scrape off the polish on your veneers, making them look faded. Additionally, you should ask your dentist to recommend toothpaste that does not contain hard adhesives which could wear out your veneers prematurely. 

Bad oral habits can also damage veneers. Smoking causes veneers to get stained and discolored, making them look unappealing, while clenching and grinding your teeth can chip away on your veneers and reducing their lifespan significantly. You should also avoid chewing on hard objects such as fingernails and pens to avoid cracking your veneers.

Crunching down on hard foods such as nuts and hard candies can also cause your veneers to crack or break. Finally, try to minimize the intake of foods such as coffee, tea, soda, red wine and berries, as they can easily stain your veneers. 

Schedule regular visits with your dentist

Regular visits to the dentist are essential if you have porcelain veneers, as they can help reveal the onset of gum disease so that you can receive treatment early on. Any inflammation in the gums that goes untreated could cause the gums to recede, exposing part of the veneer and causing it to come off.

Your dentist can also inspect the veneers for any damage during your regular checkup and recommend repairs early on, not to mention that he can also advice you on treatments for conditions such as tooth grinding that could be causing your veneers to get damaged.

Another importance of visiting your dentist often is to have your veneers professionally cleaned and polished so they can maintain their shine for longer. 

Porcelain veneers can greatly enhance the appearance of your teeth, boosting your smile and overall dental aesthetics. The tips above can help you properly maintain your veneers so they can serve you for many, many years to come. If you have questions about veneers and keeping them clean, talk to a cosmetic dentist like Chen Sharon DMD PC.

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