Veneers are extremely thin porcelain shells permanently bonded to teeth to cover a wide array of imperfections. These shells cover the entire front surface of the tooth to hide any chips, cracks, gaps, crookedness, discoloration, or irregularly-shaped teeth.
Veneers are only a cosmetic procedure. Before you think about receiving veneers, you should consult with your dentist about your dental health. If your teeth are discolored or cracked due to tooth decay or infection, veneers will not solve the deeper issue.
Applying Porcelain Veneers
Before your veneers are applied, your dentist shaves around ½ a millimeter from your enamel, the very top layer of your teeth. This ensures that the veneers fit correctly and don’t look bulky.
However, once the enamel is removed, it will never grow back. Dental veneers are a permanent procedure. Even if your veneers are removed, you will have to get a new set to cover your teeth.
If you’re not ready for that commitment, LUMINEERS may be the better option. LUMINEERS look exactly like porcelain veneers, except they are even thinner than traditional veneers and can be placed directly on the tooth, with no enamel shaving necessary. These are called “prepless” veneers.
Whether you choose porcelain veneers or LUMINEERS, it is imperative that you learn how to take care of them and your smile correctly.
Taking Care of Porcelain Veneers
Taking proper care of your porcelain veneers can help them last for as long as possible. Here are some steps you can take to help protect and clean your veneers.
Practice excellent dental hygiene
With veneers, you don’t have to make any major changes or adjustments to your normal oral hygiene routine.
Ideally, you should brush your teeth after every single meal, but brushing at least twice a day should suffice. Floss at least once a day to remove any food particles and build-up between the teeth, followed by an antiseptic mouthwash.
There is no need to worry about veneers while brushing and flossing; they are bonded to your teeth. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste to avoid scratching the porcelain.
A proper oral hygiene routine won’t just save your veneers, but your teeth and gums as well. Keeping your mouth free of food particles, bacteria, and plaque greatly reduces your risk of developing gum disease.
Visit your dentist regularly
Even with an impeccable oral health routine, plaque and tartar build-up is virtually inevitable. Dentists are the only ones who have the tools to remove this build-up from your teeth, keeping them clean and healthy.
Continue visiting your dentist on a biannual basis for cleaning to remove all of this build-up to prevent gingivitis, tooth decay, and other serious health complications.
Avoid Staining Agents
Veneers, just like natural teeth, can become stained over time following exposure to some foods and beverages. Coffee, red wine, tea, dark soda, soy sauce, curries, berries, and beets are all well-known staining agents. Removing these items from your diet helps you avoid staining your teeth and veneers.
If you don’t want to cut these items out of your diet, brush your teeth right after eating or drinking to limit exposure time and avoid staining your veneers.
Smoking also causes discoloration. Consider quitting to resist staining and to keep your body healthy.
Avoid biting on hard objects
Whether due to stress, anxiety, or a childhood habit, many people bite on hard objects like pens, nails, and ice. Although it may help to alleviate some of your stress, biting down on these objects can chip or break your natural teeth and veneers.
Avoid these behaviors and find an alternative way to deal with stress that doesn’t involve your teeth.
Wear a mouthguard
Teeth grinding, known as Bruxism, places a great deal of pressure and physical stress on your teeth. Although veneers are extremely durable, it does not mean they can withstand grinding without any damage. Teeth grinding can place up to 250 pounds of pressure on a tooth.
If you grind your teeth, there is some additional care involved to ensure that your veneers last a long time and don’t crack. Wearing a bite guard (occlusal guard) every night helps minimize the pressure put on your teeth and protect your veneers while you are sleeping. A mouthguard can also help prevent cracking and damage to your other teeth.
Porcelain Veneers and LUMINEERS in Farmington Hills
Are you considering veneers or LUMINEERS to enhance and correct your smile? The Owens Cosmetic and Family Dentistry team would love to assist you on your dental journey.
Get in touch with us today by calling (248)-671-4350 and scheduling your initial consultation.
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