Have you recently received dental veneers and aren’t sure how to properly care for them? Cosmetic veneers require specialized maintenance, since they’re made from high-quality porcelain.
In addition, veneers are custom-made to your teeth, making proper maintenance crucial for maintaining their durability and natural lifespan.
At AH Dentistry, we’re experts in the dental veneer procedure. With 20 years of experience serving Pittsfield Charter Township, MI, and the surrounding areas, we ensure your veneers are long lasting. Contact us today to learn more about our veneers dentists.
What are the Advantages of Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are often preferable over composite resin because the material is a medical-grade ceramic. This ceramic is stronger and more resistant to chipping compared to resin. It also mimics the structure of natural tooth enamel.
One of the main reasons porcelain lasts longer than composite resin is that it’s a nonporous material. This allows it to resist staining from coffee, red wine, and tea better than resin or even natural enamel.
With proper care, porcelain veneers can last 10 to 15 or more years. Composite resin, on the other hand, might last between 5 to 7 years.
The key to long-lasting veneers is getting them custom made and properly placed by an experienced dentist. Improper bonding or preparation can lead to your veneers detaching or failing early.
How to Care for Your Veneers and Make Them Last 10+ Years
There are four essential ways you should care for your veneer investment to make them last long:
Following Proper Oral Hygiene
When brushing over porcelain, it’s important to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. An abrasive toothbrush can scratch the glaze on the porcelain, causing the finish on your veneers to appear more dull.
In addition, daily flossing is especially crucial when you have veneers. When flossing, pay special attention to the area where the veneer meets your gum line. Plaque and decay can collect here on the natural tooth behind the veneer, so it’s essential to floss and brush the area thoroughly every day.
Chewing Hard Food
The way you chew harder foods can impact the longevity of your veneer investment. While veneers are designed to be strong, their intention is to provide coverage. Unlike natural teeth, they aren’t as effective at withstanding force.
For this reason, you should avoid biting down with your front teeth on hard food, including:
- Hard candy
- Whole apples or carrots
- Bones or gristle
It’s also a good idea to avoid tearing open plastic packaging with your teeth.
Instead of biting down, cut firm foods into smaller pieces, and make sure to chew them with your back molars.
Managing Teeth Grinding
Teeth grinding, or bruxism, can put significant pressure on your veneers. Over time, this can lead to chipping, cracking, or a breakdown of the bonding agent.
If you have trouble with grinding, your dentist can provide you with a custom-fitted nightguard. This is a simple, effective way to protect the investment in your veneers.
Getting Regular Maintenance
Of course, keeping up with all your dental visits is non-negotiable when it comes to maintaining your cosmetic veneers. That’s because veneers protect the front of the tooth, but decay can still occur on the sides and back of the teeth.
Routine cleanings and dental exams every six months are important to removing plaque and taking care of your teeth and gums. Dental hygienists also know the correct way to clean around veneers.
They have professional tools and specialized techniques for cleaning around the porcelain without scratching it.
Visit AH Dentistry for Expert Veneer Care
The best way to care for your veneers is to call your dentist as soon as you notice any issues. For example, rough edges or chipping, loosening or detachment, or sensitivity in the underlying teeth.
If you need help with veneers in Pittsfield Charter Township, MI, or the surrounding areas, contact our team at AH Dentistry. With 20 years of experience in the industry, our dentists are experienced in everything from general and family dentistry to cosmetic dentistry.
We provide expert care to all our clients and take the time to form long-lasting relationships so you feel confident and comfortable.
Want to learn more about our dental team? Call (734) 222-9140 or contact us online today to get started.