What You Should Know about Porcelain Veneers Aftercare By Craig Goldin DDS on February 13, 2015

Are you bothered by cracked or chipped teeth? Do you want to erase severe stains or close small gaps in your smile? If you answered yes, porcelain veneers may be a great way to improve the aesthetics of your smile. By attaching these thin shells to your teeth, Troy dentists Craig and Marcy Goldin can enhance one or two teeth, or they can transform your entire smile. In addition to being versatile, porcelain veneers are also convenient and easy to maintain. In most cases, the restorations require little more than routine dental hygiene.

What Are Porcelain Veneers?

Veneers are made of thin dental porcelain, which comes in varying natural shades. These fabrications are custom-crafted to match the shape and size of your teeth. Our dentists will trim a small layer of enamel from your teeth. Then he or she will use our computerized imaging system to gather detailed information about your smile. Thanks to this advanced technology, you will receive veneers that are virtually identical to your natural teeth. When they are finished, the dentist will make sure the veneers fit correctly. He or she will also make sure that they do not disturb the force of your bite or put pressure on your jaw joints. Finally, the dentist will lightly etch your teeth and attach the veneers. After they are in place, you will typically experience little sensitivity. In most cases, you will enjoy full dental function immediately after this second stage of treatment.

Preventing Structural Damage

It is easy to take care of your veneers. While the porcelain is not subject to decay, you will, of course, still need to maintain healthy teeth. In fact, if you develop a cavity, your veneer may need to come off so your dentist can place a filling. Following treatment, your weakened tooth may not be able to support a new veneer. To prevent decay, you should brush twice daily, floss at least once a day, and visit the dentist every six months.

Additionally, you should avoid putting undue pressure on your teeth. Dental porcelain is strong, and it can sustain daily wear and tear. However, certain bad habits can increase pressure on your teeth and cause damage to your veneers. These habits include:

Chewing ice
Biting your nails
Using your teeth to open packages, snap off clothing tags, open sodas, and similar activities
Chewing on pens or pencils

Maintaining the Color of Your Veneers

Dental porcelain is not subject to discoloration. However, the veneer adhesive can become stained. To keep your smile looking naturally bright and healthy, you should limit your intake of stain-causing foods and drinks. In particular, try to enjoy the following in moderation:

Red wine
Coffee
Tea
Berries
Tomato sauce
Soy sauce

Of course, limiting your intake of these foods will not only protect the veneer adhesive. It will also prevent your nearby teeth from staining.

How Long Do Veneers Last?

With proper dental care, veneers can last up to a decade. If your veneers are damaged or come off, our dentists can replace them. No matter what, you can rest assured that you will continue to enjoy a beautiful, natural smile.