Porcelain veneers are a tremendous investment to obtain that perfect smile and boost one’s confidence. These fine, custom-made shells get bonded onto the front surface of the teeth, helping to increase their aesthetic value by rectifying minor chips, cracks, discoloration, and misalignment.
Even though porcelain is strong and resistant to stains, proper care is necessary to ensure the longevity of your veneers and keep your smile bright for years. For someone going through a life-changing procedure (perhaps even at the top dental surgery Markham clinic), knowing about and keeping up with their ongoing maintenance care is especially crucial.
Think of your porcelain veneers as an investment that requires diligent upkeep. Just like we care for any other valuable asset, your veneers need constant care to maintain their strength and beauty. The most fundamental basis of long-term veneers is proper oral hygiene. Thus, one should brush the teeth at least twice daily with a toothbrush of soft bristles and non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste. Scrubbing harshly or using abrasive toothpastes will scratch the surface of veneers, thereby dulling their shine and presenting microscopic damage with time. The area where the veneer joins your natural tooth near the gum line might harbor plaque or bacteria and must be meticulously cleaned.
Daily flossing is equally essential to preserve the health of your gums and that of your veneers. Flossing helps in removing food debris and plaque from between your teeth-on its own difficult for your toothbrush to reach-so as to prevent any gum disease that might affect the veneer appearance and the health of your natural teeth. Be gentle while flossing around your veneers by gently sliding the floss along the tooth surface.
While porcelain is stain-resistant, it can develop stains over an extended period. Therefore, consider curbing your consumption of staining agents such as coffee, tea, red wine, and colored sodas. Rinse your mouth with water after consuming these if you can. Besides, avoid whitening toothpastes because they are abrasive and may not be fit for porcelain surfaces.
Another consideration for maximizing the life of your veneers is to safeguard them from any physical trauma. Avoid biting down into hard foods like nuts, hard candies, and ice, as this can be an excessive strain on your veneers, causing them to chip or crack. It’s much better to cut your hard foods into smaller, more manageable pieces. Likewise, resist the urge to chew on pens, pencils, or nails, as these activities place unnecessary pressure on your veneers.
Strenuous contact sports necessitate the use of a custom-fitted mouth guard. This equipment accomplishes the dual purpose of protecting your veneers as well as your natural teeth from any trauma. Even minor impacts can dislodge your veneers, demanding expensive repair or replacement.
It also goes without saying that having regular dental check-ups coupled with professional dental cleaning sessions should be a fundamental component of your veneer upkeep program. Your dentist will be able to assess your veneers to check for wear, damage, or any other conditions and ensure the health of your surrounding gums. Professional cleaning, on the other hand, takes care of plaque or tartar deposits that you would not otherwise manage to find on your own, saving you from gum diseases and keeping your veneers sparkling. Your dentist will also be able to polish your veneers during these sessions, utilizing a non-abrasive polishing paste.
Be attuned to your body and notify your dentist immediately if you experience prolonged or increased sensitivity or discomfort around your veneers. While some short-term sensitivity is to be expected immediately after the placement, longer-lasting or increasing levels of sensitivity could be a cause for concern and require treating. Early intervention might prevent even worse problems that could decrease the life expectancy of your veneers.
In the end, never forget that, despite their very hard and relatively long-term nature, porcelain veneers are not indestructible. With proper care and attention, however, a funny bright smile can be with you for years. Through good daily oral hygiene, mindful decisions, and regular dental appointments, you will ensure the pros of your porcelain veneers last forever.
