5 Tips for the Proper Care of your Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are investments that make you feel good about yourself. Any worries you once harbored about your smile are long gone. Although you have reason to celebrate your new self-confidence, you don’t want to take your new veneers for granted. Once you return home from your cosmetic dentist in Houston, TX, here are a few things you can do to keep your veneers in tip-top shape.

Maintain Good Oral Hygiene

Try to keep the same good habits you should have been keeping with your regular teeth. That means brush regularly – at least twice a day – and floss at least once a day. Your risk of gum disease doesn’t change just because you have veneers, so when you brush, make sure you brush lightly, taking care to concentrate on the edge of the gums where they meet the teeth. Also, when you floss, be sure to floss below the gum line to remove any food or bacteria that could form plaque which can lead to gum disease.

Choose the Right Toothpaste

Many toothpastes have an abrasive quality which is harmful to the shine and texture of porcelain veneers. Avoid any tooth-whitening toothpaste, or those which contain baking soda as they can scratch the highly polished surfaces of your teeth. Supersmile is a brand of toothpaste specifically designed for veneers. Ask your dentist to recommend what they like best.

Mind Your Diet

Steer clear of particularly hard foods. Be cognizant of anything you’re eating that may have pits, like cherries or olives. Also, be wary of any foods likely to cause stains. For instance, limit the amount of coffee you drink. If you’re going to drink red wine, tea, or sodas, brush shortly afterwards to avoid staining. Also, limit your alcohol intake. This is good advice for anyone, but alcohol has the effect of loosening the joint between the veneers and the underlying teeth, resulting in staining and even deterioration.

Protect Your Teeth from Grinding

If you tend to grind your teeth when you sleep, make sure to use a night guard when you go to bed. Nighttime grinding can do significant damage to your veneers, as can any sudden impact when you play sports with a lot of physical contact like wrestling, football, or basketball. Wearing a mouth guard under those circumstances will protect your veneers from any blows that could occur while you’re playing.

Visit Your Dentist Regularly

Veneers are not a get out of jail free card when it comes to seeing your dentist. Your dentist can check you for gum disease as well as inspect your teeth for any damage or chipping that will need to be addressed before it becomes a problem.

Following these few simple guidelines for maintaining your new veneers will go a long way towards insuring your time and money spent at your cosmetic dentist in Houston, TX, will be well worth it.