Make Your Porcelain Veneers Last: How to Care for Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers won't last forever, but you can prolong the lifespan of your veneers by practicing proper care and maintenance techniques. Redwood City cosmetic dentist Jean M. Barthman offers these tips so you can enjoy the benefits of your porcelain veneers for years to come.

Caring for Porcelain Veneers after Treatment

Once you've received your porcelain veneers, you will want to take special care to ensure that they last as long as possible. Though porcelain veneers are extremely durable and can be treated much like your natural teeth, by taking some extra precautions, you can help prolong the life of your veneers. Well cared for veneers can last beyond 10 years, some as long as 20. Proper aftercare for veneers includes:

• Maintaining good oral hygiene: Even though the porcelain veneer itself cannot be damaged by tooth decay, the underlying teeth are just as vulnerable as the rest of the mouth. Preventing cavities by practicing proper oral hygiene is the number one way to prolong the life of your veneers and of course your natural teeth. Proper oral hygiene includes brushing at least twice a day for a full two minutes each, flossing once a day, and seeing your dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings.
• Treat gum disease: Having healthy gums is important to maintaining porcelain veneers and of course overall oral health. Seek treatment for gum disease at the earliest signs, the most noticeable of which is bleeding gums. Mild cases of gum disease can generally be treated by following a regular, daily regimen of brushing and flossing. More severe gum disease will need dental attention but is treatable.
• Use a soft toothbrush: Hard bristled toothbrushes can be overly abrasive for porcelain veneers (and even for the natural teeth). Switch to a soft bristled toothbrush to avoid damaging or dislodging your veneers.
• Use non-abrasive toothpastes: Like hard bristled toothbrushes, some toothpastes may be too abrasive for porcelain veneers, leading to scratched surfaces prone to staining. Look for gentle toothpastes to keep your veneers looking their best.
• Avoid dark beverages: Dark beverages like red wine and coffee can stain the resin used to bond the veneers to the teeth. Some alcoholic beverages can even soften the resin, leading to the veneer dislodging.
• Avoid biting or chewing on hard objects: Biting on hard objects like pen caps, pencils, or anything metal can chip or fracture porcelain veneers.
• Use a mouthguard: Wearing a mouthguard is especially important if you received porcelain veneers as a result of teeth grinding. If you suffer from teeth grinding, it is quite likely that you will continue to grind your teeth after veneer treatment so it is important to protect your veneers by wearing a mouthguard while you sleep. Another reason a mouthguard may be useful to protect porcelain veneers is if you play contact sports.

Maintain Your Smile!

Once you receive porcelain veneers, it's important to take regular steps to ensure they last as long as possible. Keeping your teeth healthy is not just important for maintaining your veneers, it is vital to maintaining the health of your smile. Keep you smile healthy and your veneers in top condition! Schedule an appointment today!