Veneers are a great way to restore your confidence in your smile; however, they require an investment of both time and money. Veneers are great for correcting minor imperfections, including cracked, crooked, or chipped teeth, and once you’ve seen how veneers can transform your smile, you’re going to want to take care of them, so they last for as long as possible.
While veneers are incredibly durable, making them last for years to come requires effort. Here are our favorite tips on maintaining their beauty and function for years to come.
How Oral Hygiene Habits Affect Veneers
With proper care, porcelain veneers can keep your transformed smile perfect for up to twenty years. While they’re durable, veneers collect plaque and tartar buildup the same way your natural teeth do, so it’s vital to continue a consistent dental hygiene routine.
Brushing and Flossing
While veneers themselves are not susceptible to decay, your natural teeth that reside underneath them are still vulnerable to cavities. Veneers can also become stained, just like your natural teeth, so brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and flossing daily will keep your whole mouth clean and cavity-free.
Choosing the Right Toothpaste
No matter your preference, most kinds of toothpaste are safe to use on veneers. However, using toothpaste with specific whitening ingredients can be very abrasive and damaging to veneers, so we recommend avoiding them.
Use Caution With Mouthwashes
If using a mouth rinse is part of your oral hygiene routine, you may need to examine the ingredients listed on the label. Mouthwashes that contain alcohol can be damaging to the bond between your veneers and your natural tooth. When incorporating a mouthwash into your oral hygiene routine while wearing veneers, always select an alcohol-free mouthwash to avoid any damage.
Regular Professional Cleanings
Only a dental hygienist can remove tartar buildup from your teeth which builds up over time. Scheduling bi-annual cleaning appointments will keep your teeth free of damaging issues like gingivitis and cavities.
The Benefits Of Veneers
Porcelain veneers are always an excellent option for anyone looking to enhance their teeth cosmetically. Veneers are incredible for mimicking the natural look and feel of teeth, making them almost always unnoticeable. Some of the many benefits of veneers are:
Durability – Unlike dental bonding that can chip, porcelain veneers are more durable. On average, veneers last anywhere from 12-25 years and rarely require any maintenance outside your basic oral hygiene.
Visually Appealing – If your natural teeth are severely discolored, misaligned, or misshapen, porcelain veneers can efficiently correct one or all of these issues. They are made from a mold of your teeth and then sized and shaped to fit proportionally to the other teeth in your mouth for a symmetrical and appealing final result.
Stain Resistant – In general, veneers are more stain-resistant than your natural teeth. They’re protected with a glaze that can repel most stains, including dark-colored liquids like red wines and coffee.
Wear a Nightguard To Prevent Damage
Using a nightguard to protect your teeth while you sleep will keep them from becoming damaged if you have a history of clenching or grinding your teeth.
Porcelain veneers can be perfectly maintained for many years if cared for suitably. If you feel like you may be a good candidate for porcelain veneers and want to learn more about how you can improve the overall appearance of your smile, contact us at Lowcountry Family Dentistry today to schedule a consultation.
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