If you have taken the step in cosmetic and restorative dentistry to get porcelain veneers, you will want to do everything you can to maintain your new smile. Veneers are a permanent dental restoration, so it’s important to know what to expect once they are secured to your teeth. Dr. Robert J. Gauthier, Jr., a dentist in Northborough, MA, offers advice in caring for your porcelain veneers.
Pay attention to your bite
It may take some time to adjust to the feeling of veneers over your teeth. Porcelain veneers are customized to fit your unique smile, with additional adjustments made during your final fitting.
A dentist will consider the placement of surrounding teeth, your face shape, and natural tooth color when creating your veneers to ensure a perfect fit. However, if you notice that your bite feels misaligned or the veneers are out of place, let your dentist know.
Sometimes, dental veneers can become loose over time, too. If this is the case, it is important to contact your dentist to make corrections to the fixture. Early action can prevent surrounding teeth from moving or becoming damaged.
Practice good oral hygiene
Porcelain veneers are not at risk of staining or discoloration like regular teeth, but proper oral hygiene is essential to maintaining your smile.
Before getting veneers, your dentist should have completed necessary dental work and cleaned your teeth. Healthy teeth and gums are required for a successful dental veneer procedure.
Regular brushing and flossing will keep your veneers clean and the surrounding teeth and gums healthy enough to support the fixtures. Teeth around the veneers are still susceptible to cavities or tooth decay, so good hygiene habits are an important part of your overall health.
Avoid unnecessary pressure
Dental veneers are not indestructible. They can chip or break while chewing on hard objects, such as fingernails, the end of a pen, or ice. For this reason, it is important to be aware of your oral habits. Biting nails is a common behavior that can be triggered by stress. Practices like this can damage porcelain veneers, resulting in costly repairs.
Grinding or clenching your teeth is an often unconscious behavior that can happen while you are asleep. This can damage veneers too, so it is important to tell your dentist if you know you do this. Your dentist may suggest wearing a mouthguard at night to protect your veneers against bruxism. With proper upkeep, porcelain veneers can last for 15 years.
More from Apex Dental
To learn more, schedule an appointment online with Dr. Gauthier. Apex Dental offers general, cosmetic, and restorative dental services, including porcelain veneers, in Northborough, MA. Prospective patients can contact our office by phone at 508.506.1691.