Porcelain veneers have allowed many people to completely transform their smiles by concealing flaws like chips, cracks, stains, and gaps with beautiful ceramic restorations. While veneers are designed to be durable, they are not invincible and will eventually need to be replaced. However, there are measures you can take to help your investment last for as long as possible. Here are a few tips for extending the life of your porcelain veneers so they can last up to fifteen years or more.
Practice Excellent Oral Hygiene
A proper oral hygiene regimen includes brushing in the morning and before bed, flossing, and using antibacterial mouthwash on a daily basis. It’s also a great idea to brush and floss between meals as long as you wait at least thirty minutes after eating to allow your teeth to recover. However, brushing and flossing veneers too aggressively can lead to unsightly scratches forming on their surfaces. It’s best to use non-abrasive toothpaste without stain-removing agents like baking soda that can damage your appliances.
Watch What You Eat
Your eating habits greatly influence the lifespan of your veneers. For example, chewing on hard candy or ice can lead to cracks and chips forming in your veneers as well as your natural teeth, and while veneers are stain-resistant, they can still become discolored if they are too frequently exposed to foods or beverages that are high in dyes and pigments such as coffee, tea, red wine, and berries. These items can also lead to the natural teeth becoming stained while the veneers still appear to be pristine in some cases, leaving the smile with uneven coloring.
Drop a Few Bad Habits
Tobacco use and excessive alcohol consumption are terrible for your oral and overall health as well as your veneers. While tobacco smoke can leave unsightly stains and buildups in your smile, nicotine also has the unpleasant side effect of causing your blood vessels to constrict, thereby limiting your gums’ ability to heal and fight infection. This leaves you more vulnerable to gum disease that can require your veneers to be removed for treatment. Excessive alcohol exposure can also erode the cement holding your veneers on your teeth, causing them to fail sooner.
Excellent habits can help your veneers last their longest. By keeping your mouth healthy and sticking with proper maintenance methods, you can keep your transformed smile stunning for years to come.
About the Practice
Goodman Dental Care delivers the finest oral health services available in Annapolis, MD. With Drs. Gary and Jeremy Goodman at the helm, the staff ensures that each patient receives effective treatment in a friendly and comforting environment. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, emergency, and cosmetic dentistry such as porcelain veneers. For more information on maintaining your veneers, contact the office online or dial (410) 263-1919.