Patients with discolored, chipped, or crooked teeth can find a cosmetic solution with porcelain veneers. Veneers are cap-like shells that fit over the front of teeth to create a whiter and straighter appearance. They are secured permanently to your teeth and can only be removed by a dental professional once bonded. Porcelain veneers are durable and proper maintenance can ensure your smile enhancement treatment can last for longer than a decade. Dr. Georgia Haddad, a dentist in Oxnard, CA, provides tips to taking care of your porcelain veneers.
Pay attention to your bite
It can take some time to get used to the feeling of veneers in your mouth. Your dentist considers the size, shape, and color of your porcelain veneers to suit your unique mouth. You can discuss your aesthetic goals with your dentist in a consultation, but your dentist will ensure a perfect fit for your veneers once they are bonded into place.
However, if you notice your veneers seem loose or crooked over time, let your dentist know. Noting if your bite seems misaligned early in your cosmetic treatment can prevent other problems later that may result in costly dental work.
Practice good oral hygiene
To ensure your porcelain veneers last as long as possible, you will want to keep your mouth clean and healthy. Proper oral hygiene habits will maintain a stable foundation for your veneers. Veneers are stain-resistant, but plaque can still affect your surrounding teeth. Tooth decay and gum disease may cause your veneers to become loose or misaligned.
Good oral hygiene practices can prevent this. This entails brushing twice a day and flossing daily. Flossing ideally occurs at night to remove plaque that develops during the day. Rinsing with mouthwash can also eliminate plaque from parts of your mouth missed by brushing.
Avoid unnecessary pressure
Porcelain veneers are durable and made to withstand the wear and tear of everyday use. However, when exposed to abnormal amounts of pressure, they can be subject to breakage. For this reason, you should avoid biting down on hard objects, such as fingernails, ice, or the end of a pen.
Patients who grind their teeth in a habit called bruxism may be advised to seek a different cosmetic treatment because the pressure involved in this behavior can damage porcelain veneers. Alternatively, your dentist may suggest wearing a mouthguard at night to protect veneers from teeth grinding that may occur as the patient sleeps.
Porcelain veneers and more in Oxnard, CA
Beach Cities Dental Group offers porcelain veneers and other cosmetic dental treatments to patients in Oxnard, CA. Learn more about porcelain veneers.
Dr. Haddad also specializes in general and restorative dentistry and orthodontics. To schedule an appointment with us, contact our office online or reach us by phone at 805.312.9164.