Porcelain veneers are cap-like shells that are secured to the front of teeth to enhance a dental patient’s smile. If you have chipped, cracked, discolored, or crooked teeth, veneers could be the cosmetic solution you have been looking for. With proper maintenance, veneers can last for fifteen years. Dr. Natasha Radosavljevic, a dentist in Clearwater, FL, describes three ways to take care of your porcelain veneers.
Pay attention to your bite
It may take some time to get used to the feeling of porcelain veneers over your teeth. However, as you settle into your new smile, you should pay attention to your bite. When your dentist secures your veneers to your teeth, they will make final adjustments to ensure a perfect fit before you leave the office.
If you notice that your bite seems misaligned or the veneers feel loose, let your dentist know. Veneers should be a long-lasting dental treatment that can only be removed by a dentist, so if anything seems disruptive, contact your dentist for an adjustment.
Avoid abnormal pressure
Veneers are constructed to endure the regular wear and tear your teeth experience daily. While porcelain veneers are durable, they are not completely indestructible. If they are exposed to abnormal amounts of pressure, they can be susceptible to breakage.
For this reason, you should avoid biting down on hard objects, such as ice, fingernails, or the end of a pen. Damage to your veneers could leave your natural teeth vulnerable to harm and require you to get expensive dental work. To preserve your veneers and oral health, you should stay conscious of oral habits to avoid this damage.
Maintain good oral hygiene
You practice good oral hygiene to preserve your natural teeth and you should do the same for your porcelain veneers. Veneers are stain-resistant, but they collect bacteria just like your regular teeth. Plaque that develops on veneers can damage your teeth and therefore your porcelain veneers. Good oral hygiene ensures your mouth is healthy enough to support your veneers.
Proper oral hygiene habits include brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing daily. Ideally, flossing should be completed at night to remove plaque that forms throughout your day. Rinsing with mouthwash can eliminate bacteria in hard-to-reach places of your mouth for a more thorough cleaning.
Porcelain veneers and more in Clearwater, FL
Dr. Radosavljevic provides porcelain veneers and other cosmetic dental treatments to patients in Clearwater, FL. Our practice also specializes in restorative and general dentistry. To schedule an appointment with us, contact our office online or reach us by phone at 727.360.4302.