How To Protect Your Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers can help you achieve more aesthetically pleasing teeth, tailored to your personal preferences and needs. These thin, custom-made veneers are bonded to the front of your teeth, improving their appearance by covering imperfections like stains, chips, or misalignments. However, to maintain the longevity of your porcelain veneers, it’s crucial to understand how to protect them.

This blog will discuss tips and strategies to ensure your veneers stay in great condition in the long term.

Maintain good oral hygiene

The foundation of preserving your porcelain veneers is maintaining good oral hygiene. Just like your natural teeth, veneers can accumulate plaque and tartar, which can lead to gum disease and decay underneath the veneers.

To protect your veneers, you should brush and floss regularly. Aim to brush your teeth at least twice daily, and remember to floss once daily. You should also pay attention to the products you use. Opt for a non-abrasive toothpaste when caring for your veneers, as abrasive toothpaste can potentially scratch the surface of your veneers.

Considering the type of toothbrush you use can also make a difference to the condition of your veneers. Choose a soft-bristle toothbrush to minimise the risk of damaging your veneers – gentle brushing is sufficient to remove debris, without applying unnecessary pressure.

To further enhance your oral hygiene routine, use an antibacterial mouthwash. Rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash can be beneficial in reducing the presence of harmful bacteria in your mouth, helping to maintain the cleanliness of both your natural teeth and veneers.

Practice good long-term dental habits

As well as ensuring that you are following an essential brushing and flossing routine, you will need to visit your dentist when needed and follow some steps to maintain the appearance of your veneers in the longer term.

Whether caring for porcelain veneers or your natural teeth, regular dental check-ups are essential. Maintaining a schedule of routine visits to your dentist allows for the ongoing monitoring of your veneers’ condition. These check-ups enable your dentist to identify and address potential issues early, ensuring your veneers remain in optimal shape. A proactive approach to dental care will help prevent minor problems from escalating into more significant concerns.

Be cautious with what you eat and drink

While porcelain veneers are highly stain-resistant, they are not entirely immune to discolouration.

Certain foods and beverages can still cause staining over time. Ideally, you should limit the consumption of stain-causing foods and beverages. Cut down on drinks such as coffee, tea, and red wine, as well as foods like berries and tomato-based sauces, which have the potential to stain not only your veneers but also your natural teeth.

Another practical tip is to use a straw when consuming beverages that may have staining properties. This simple precaution can minimise direct contact between stain-inducing liquids and your veneers, reducing the discolouration risk. By sipping through a straw, you can still enjoy your favourite beverages while protecting the aesthetic quality of your veneers.

It’s also beneficial to rinse your mouth with water after eating or drinking items known to cause staining. This quick step helps to reduce the impact of stain-causing substances on your veneers.

As well as being mindful of foods and drinks that may cause staining, it’s essential to maintain a balanced diet for both your oral health and the longevity of your porcelain veneers. Good nutrition promotes healthy teeth and gums, acting as a protective measure for your veneers. Ensure your diet includes calcium-rich foods like dairy products, leafy greens, and almonds, as calcium is vital for strong teeth and bones. You can also seek out sources of vitamin D, such as fatty fish and fortified foods, as it aids in calcium absorption. Staying well-hydrated will also help to maintain a moist oral environment and support oral health.

Avoid excessive force

While porcelain veneers are durable, they can still be prone to damage. While veneers may improve function, they are primarily intended to enhance the aesthetics of your smile. Avoiding excessive force on your veneers can help to prevent damage such as cracks and chips.

To avoid excessive force, you should be careful when consuming hard or crunchy foods. While veneers can generally handle regular chewing, it’s wise to be mindful when eating exceptionally hard or crunchy items.

Just as you should with your natural teeth, you should avoid using your veneers as tools for tasks they were not designed for. For example, don’t use your teeth to open packages, tear tape, or undertake any activities that could subject them to excessive force.

If you play contact sports or have a habit of teeth grinding (bruxism), your dentist may recommend wearing a mouthguard. Both contact sports and bruxism can expose your veneers to accidental damage due to impacts or excessive pressure. A properly fitted mouthguard is a protective barrier, reducing the risk of harm to your veneers.

Take care when choosing other dental procedures

While veneers are designed to be durable, they can still be vulnerable to potential risks during dental procedures. Therefore, it is crucial to be careful when undergoing any other dental work.

You should always let your dentist know you have porcelain veneers before undergoing any dental procedure. Your dentist will ensure they can take the appropriate steps and make any necessary treatment adjustments.

Choosing an experienced dentist who understands the details of veneer procedures can help to minimise the risk of accidental damage during other dental treatments. Their familiarity with veneers will enable them to navigate potential challenges with precision and care.

Porcelain veneers at FY Smile in Double Bay

If you need personalised instructions on how to care for your porcelain veneers, to book a check-up or to undergo another treatment with an experienced dentist, please contact our team at FY Smile in Double Bay.