Summary:
Porcelain veneers are a quick and lasting way to boost your smile’s confidence.
These thin, customized shells cover the front surface of your teeth, significantly enhancing your smile. They’re great for fixing chips, gaps, or discoloration, giving you a bright, perfect-looking set of teeth.
Studies suggest that the success rate of porcelain veneers is over 90% after ten years, making them a reliable option for long-term dental enhancement.
But will these porcelain veneers remain as they are for a lifetime? No really. You have to take some necessary measures to ensure your veneers last long. This blog explores the nuances of porcelain veneers to help you ensure they last long. The topics we will cover here include:
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Benefits of Porcelain Veneers
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The Secrets to Long-Lasting Veneers: Dos
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The Secrets to Long-Lasting Veneers: Don’ts
Let’s deeply dive into the details of these topics in the following blog.
Benefits of Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are like a magic makeover for your teeth. They’re super thin, custom-made shells that cover the front of your teeth, instantly improving your smile. The best part is that they look natural and can fix many dental issues, like discoloration, chips, or gaps.
Porcelain veneers are stain-resistant and durable, so your smile stays bright and beautiful for years. Since they don’t require extensive reshaping of your natural teeth, it’s a pretty straightforward process. If you want a confidence boost and a perfect smile, porcelain veneers are a fantastic option.
The Secrets to Long-Lasting Veneers: Dos
Maintaining your porcelain veneers is not much of a challenge if you follow the proper steps. You can do different things to ensure your veneers last long. So, let’s take a look at them in detail.
1. Oral Hygiene
There is more than one thing you can do to ensure adequate oral hygiene that enhances your veneer’s longevity. Some of the best-known of these ways include:
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Brush Twice Daily:
Use a soft-bristle toothbrush to clean your veneers gently. It helps prevent plaque buildup without scratching the surface.
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Floss regularly:
Take your time flossing. It removes food particles and plaque between teeth, keeping your gums healthy and veneers secure.
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Use non-abrasive toothpaste:
Use gentle fluoride on your veneers to avoid surface damage.
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Rinse with mouthwash:
An antibacterial mouthwash can help keep your whole mouth clean and reduce the risk of gum disease.
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Mind your bite:
Don’t use your teeth as tools to open packages or bite into complex objects; it can damage your veneers.
2. Dietary Awareness
Here are some key points to keep in mind about diet after getting porcelain veneers:
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Avoid Hard Foods:
Avoid hard candies, ice, and nuts. They can crack or chip your veneers.
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Limit Staining Foods and Drinks:
Avoid coffee, red wine, tea, and dark-colored berries, as they can stain your veneers over time.
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Be Cautious with Sticky Foods:
Avoid caramels and sticky candies that can pull at your veneers and cause them to loosen.
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Alcohol Moderation:
Excessive alcohol can weaken the bonding material of your veneers, so drink it in moderation.
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Use Non-Abrasive Toothpaste:
Opt for toothpaste that isn’t too abrasive to avoid scratching the surface of your veneers.
3. Regular Dental Check-Ups and Cleanings
Here’s a casual, pointwise note on regular dental check-ups and cleanings:
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Prevent Cavities:
Regular cleanings help remove plaque that you might miss, preventing cavities.
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Brighten Your Smile:
Cherokee Family Dental offers professional cleanings that remove stains, giving you a brighter, whiter smile.
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Gum Health:
Check-ups catch early signs of gum disease, which can save your teeth in the long run.
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Catch Issues Early:
Dentists can spot problems early on, like small cavities or oral cancer.
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Fresh Breath:
Regular cleanings keep your breath fresh by removing bacteria that cause bad breath.
4. Wearing a Nightguard (if needed)
Wearing a nightguard is smart if you have veneers and tend to grind or clench your teeth. It helps protect those pricey veneers from damage, saving you from potential repairs. Plus, it keeps your smile looking great and prevents discomfort or further dental issues.
The Secrets to Long-Lasting Veneers: Don’ts
Let’s discuss some “don’ts” for keeping your smile looking great for years.
To keep your veneers looking as dazzling as the day you got them, there are a few things you need to avoid. Here’s what you should steer clear of:
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Don’t Strain Your Veneers with Hard Food
Veneers are strong, but they’re not invincible. Crunching on hard foods like nuts, candies, or even ice can put too much pressure on them. Stick to softer foods to keep those pearly whites intact.
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Don’t Skip the Teeth as Tools Routine
We all habitually use our teeth to open packages or bite off tags. But this can be a veneer’s worst nightmare. Using your teeth as tools can cause them to chip or crack. So, next time you’re tempted to rip something open with your teeth, remember your veneers would appreciate some scissors instead.
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Watch the Grind
If you’re a grinder or a clencher, this one’s for you. Bruxism, or teeth grinding, can wear down your veneers over time. If you catch yourself grinding, especially at night, talk to your Jacksonville, TX, Dentist about getting a night guard.
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Be Mindful of Stains
Veneers are stain-resistant, but the cement that bonds them isn’t. This means that over time, the edges of your veneers can start to show discoloration if you’re not careful. Cutting down on coffee, red wine, and dark sodas can help keep that pristine look. And if you’re a smoker, consider this another reason to quit – tobacco is a big culprit in staining.
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Say No to Abrasive Toothpaste
Using a toothpaste that’s too abrasive can scratch the surface of your veneers, making them more susceptible to staining and wear. Opt for a toothpaste that’s gentle yet effective. Your dentist can recommend a good one that’s veneer-friendly.
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Don’t Skip Dental Visits
Regular check-ups are crucial. Your dentist will ensure that your veneers and the rest of your teeth are in top shape. Plus, professional cleanings at Veneers in Jacksonville, TX, help keep everything looking bright and feeling fresh.
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Avoid DIY Whitening
At-home whitening kits can be too harsh on veneers. If you think your smile needs a little brightening, talk to your dentist. They can guide you on how to maintain your veneers without damaging them.
Takeaway
- Porcelain veneers are a quick and lasting way to boost your smile’s confidence. They work like magic makeovers on cracked, broken, or chipped teeth.
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You must follow a list of do’s and don’ts to keep the porcelain veneers intact and last for years.
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Brushing twice daily, flossing, and regular dental check-ups are some of the do’s.
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The things to be avoided with veneers are eating hard food, staining, DIY whitening, and many more.
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Treat your veneers carefully; they’ll keep your smile shining for years.
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Do you still have concerns about the several possibilities of porcelain veneers? Feel free to connect with our experts at Cherokee Dental today!
