Did you know that porcelain veneers were invented in Hollywood in the 1920’s? A California dentist needed a way to correct multiple cosmetic flaws at once and give movie stars a beautiful smile. However, at that time, porcelain veneers only stayed on the teeth temporarily. Now they can last 10-15 years, but the only requirement is that you have to take good care of them. Fortunately, maintaining your new smile is easy to do. Keep reading for 4 aftercare tips that will keep your porcelain veneers in Harrisonburg looking great for as long as possible.
1. Don’t Use Your Teeth as Tools
There are many advantages to porcelain, including the fact that it’s strong and durable. But that doesn’t mean it’s indestructible. After you get your porcelain veneers, don’t use your teeth to open packages or bottles. It’s also a good idea to avoid chewing on things like pens, ice, fingernails, or hard candies.
2. Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Before a smile can be beautiful, it has to be healthy. Good brushing and flossing habits are essential and will not only extend the life of your dental work, including porcelain veneers, but also keep your mouth healthier overall.
Although porcelain veneers can’t get cavities, the natural tooth structure underneath them can. To prevent this, make sure to brush for 2 minutes at least twice a day with a soft-bristled brush (you may also want to consider an electric toothbrush, which uses gentle pressure and automatically stays on for 2 minutes.)
It’s also important to floss daily, and you can use fluoride mouthwash from the store for extra cavity protection. Finally, don’t use a whitening toothpaste because it contains abrasive ingredients to remove surface stains and can scratch or dull your veneers.
3. Wear a Custom-Made Nightguard if Necessary
If you think you clench or grind at night, talk to a dentist about making a custom-made nightguard. While it won’t stop you from clenching and grinding, it will protect your veneers, as well as your natural teeth, from chipping or breaking.
4. Get Regular Checkups
By seeing a dentist every 6 months for checkups, any potential problems with your veneers will be found and treated early on, before they turn into bigger problems. Not to mention that professional cleanings will keep your teeth and gums healthy and looking great.
Today, porcelain veneers aren’t just for movie stars, and anyone can use them to completely transform their smile. And, by using these 4 aftercare tips, you’ll keep your new smile looking and feeling great for many years.
About the Author
Dr. Monisha Khanna is a general, restorative and cosmetic dentist and a graduate of the State University of New York at Buffalo. She loves seeing how porcelain veneers add to her patients’ self-confidence and always provides tips to help them last. If you’d like to know more about porcelain veneers in Harrisonburg or have any questions, she can be reached via her website.