So, you’ve taken the plunge and invested in your smile with porcelain veneers in Naples. Chances are that your only regret is that you didn’t do it sooner! But now what? You might be concerned about how you can keep your new pearly whites as pearly as possible over the long-term. Thankfully, porcelain is durable and easy to maintain. Having said that, it’s still important to be aware of some basic maintenance tips to protect your investment in your new smile and enjoy it for as long as possible. So, keep reading to learn more about the do’s and don’ts of veneer maintenance!
How Can You Maintain Your Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain is an excellent material for veneers. Not only is it incredibly strong, but it has a hard, glossy coating that also makes it stain resistant.
But even with these outstanding properties, porcelain veneers aren’t indestructible and will still need to be replaced eventually. Following these guidelines will extend the life of your veneers:
- Keep them clean – Brushing and flossing are just as important for your porcelain veneers as for your natural teeth. Although the veneers themselves can’t develop cavities, the margin where they meet your natural teeth can get decay if it’s not kept clean.
- Use the right toothpaste – You don’t want to use anything abrasive that will scratch the glossy coating on your veneers because it can dull them over time. Avoid whitening toothpastes or anything with baking soda in it. You can also simply choose a gel instead of a paste because it’s less likely to have abrasive ingredients.
- Get regular dental care – Regular checkups are an opportunity for a dentist in Naples to catch any potential problems when they’re small and easier to fix.
- Ask about clenching and grinding – Veneers are even more susceptible to the effects of nighttime clenching or grinding than natural teeth, so ask your dentist if they see any signs of wear on your teeth. They can’t stop you from grinding, but they can make a night guard to protect your veneers from the effects of it.
- Minimize sugar – Eating sugar produces acids in your mouth that can wear away at the margin of your veneers, potentially shortening their lifespan.
Is There Anything You Should Avoid Doing?
Here are some things you should avoid to prevent damaging your porcelain veneers:
- Be careful with your diet – Avoid foods that are particularly hard, crunchy or sticky. For example, instead of biting directly into an apple, cut it into small pieces first.
- Ask your hygienist to use the right polish – Chances are that your hygienist will be aware of not using an abrasive polish on your veneers, but it never hurts to double check!
There’s no question that porcelain veneers can give you the smile of your dreams. With these guidelines, you can keep it that way for as long as possible!
About the Author
Having used porcelain veneers to transform the smiles of many of her patients, Dr. Chelsea Benza loves seeing the impact that a new smile has on their life. In addition to working closely with each patient to make sure they get great results, she also helps them understand how to maintain their dental work for as long as possible. If you have any questions, she can be contacted via her website or at (239) 592-5112.