Looking for a durable, highly effective way to improve the appearance of your teeth? Porcelain veneers feature cap-like shells that attach to the front of teeth to make your smile brighter, straighter, fuller, and more even. Dentists build them on a custom basis for each patient so that you can see gorgeous and natural-looking results.
Veneers can stay on your smile for fifteen years. But you will need to take proper care of them to maximize the cosmetic dental advantages. Read on to find three tips to maintain your new porcelain veneers so that the aesthetic benefits can last for as long as possible.
Pay Attention to the Fit of Porcelain Veneers
Custom-made porcelain veneers mean that you can achieve your unique smile aesthetic goals with this cosmetic dental treatment. The dentist considers the size, shape, and color of your natural teeth to ensure a finish that appears both beautiful and suitable for your specific smile.
This individualized approach also means that you can count on these veneers fitting both comfortably and securely in your mouth. The dentist will check your bite after placing these fixtures to ensure that they do not interfere with your oral function.
It can take some time for the veneers to settle and feel normal in your mouth. But if the veneers feel loose or crooked, let your dentist know right away. Ill-fitting veneers have a higher chance of breaking or dislodging from the teeth.
If this occurs, the underlying teeth are exposed and could suffer further dental damage. You will need to seek urgent repairs or replacements for broken veneers. So reduce the risk of damaged veneers by paying attention to the way they fit in your smile.
Avoid Abnormal Pressure on Dental Work
Your dentist will build porcelain veneers using durable material and secure bonding to ensure they will stay on your smile for as long as possible. You can complete your normal oral functions, like chewing and biting, with these fixtures on your teeth. However, as strong as they are, veneers are not entirely indestructible.
Under high pressure, veneers can chip, break, or fall off of your teeth. As mentioned, this damage to your dental work could put you in danger of other oral health concerns.
So you should avoid biting hard items that could generate this harmful kind of pressure and hurt your veneers. Examples include fingernails and the end of a pen. You should also talk to your dentist about stopping habits like teeth grinding that could pose a similar risk to your veneers.
Continue Good Oral Hygiene
Many people appreciate that porcelain veneers will resist staining and decay for long-lasting smile enhancement. But your underlying teeth can still suffer from these dental concerns.
If you form gum disease or cavities, you could see structural damage to your teeth, even with veneers attached to the front. This damage may affect the fit of your veneers, which could mean they may not last as long on your smile.
To ensure veneers endure for as long as they can, practice proper oral hygiene to fight these dental problems. This should include attending routine dental cleanings at your dentist’s office.