How to Care for Porcelain Veneers

If you have chipped or broken teeth, suffer grain discoloration or stains, or have gaps between your teeth, porcelain veneers are an excellent option to restore your smile. Porcelain veneers are thin shells made of porcelain that are bonded to your tooth’s surface. This is considered a cosmetic procedure, but many general dentists perform this service.

At Pearly Whites Dental, we are proud to offer porcelain teeth veneers as well as care and treatment to ensure your veneers stay in great shape for years to come. Here are some tips on how to care for your porcelain veneers.

Don’t Chew on Hard Objects

When you have porcelain veneers, special consideration must be taken of the food you consume. Things like hard candy, mints, gum, and nuts should be avoided as they can crack or chip the veneers. Also, avoid opening packages with your teeth and chewing on things like straws.

Brush and Floss Regularly

Brushing at least twice a day, and flossing once a day is vital to maintaining porcelain veneers and the underlying tooth enamel. Just as important as brushing, is what you brush with. It’s recommended that with veneers you use a soft bristle brush and non-abrasive toothpaste to ensure you don’t dull or scratch the veneers.

Use a Fluoride Rinse

Using an oral rinse that contains fluoride once a day is a great way to help porcelain veneers to stay bright and in good shape. The rinse will wash away hard to reach bacteria and food particles that can cause discoloration and a breakdown of the veneers. Try to avoid rinses that contain alcohol as they can dry out your mouth and cause a variety of issues.

Avoid Drinks That Stain

Drinks like tea, coffee, and red wine on a regular basis can greatly discolor and stain porcelain veneers. If you can’t go without your morning cup of Joe or glass of wine at dinner, it’s OK, just be sure to brush afterward. Using a straw to drink these beverages can also cut down on staining.

Don’t Smoke

While it goes without saying that smoking is bad for your health, it’s also terrible for your teeth, gums, and especially porcelain veneers. Smoking anything (cigarettes, cigars, etc.) is a sure fire way to discolor and stain veneers. It can also cause gum disease, which will cause premature failure of the bonded porcelain.

Keep Regular Dental Appointments

Regular dental exams are key to good oral health, especially if you have porcelain veneers. A dentist can check for early signs of veneer deterioration and repair or replace them based on their condition. A dentist will also conduct specialized cleaning and polishing of the veneers to keep them in great shape. They’ll take X-rays and check for gum disease which can also affect veneers.

Contact Pearly Whites Dental

If you’re in the Yardley, Longhorne, or Newtown PA area and are looking for porcelain veneers from a certified professional dentist, the team at Pearly Whites Dental is here to help. Our friendly staff is happy to answer any questions you may have.