There are many treatment options that can help brighten and whiten your natural smile. Among them, porcelain veneers in Oxnard, CA, tend to provide long-lasting solutions for discoloration or staining. With the right care and maintenance, veneers could help improve your smile for up to fifteen years without needing to be replaced. But while veneers are more resistant to discoloration and damage, they can still suffer from improper hygiene or chewing habits. By following your dentist’s aftercare tips for veneers, you could help extend their life and maintain your new, vibrant smile.
How to Care for Porcelain Veneers in Oxnard, CA
Porcelain is often the material of choice for veneers because it can be color-matched to your desired shade. Porcelain is also minimally porous, meaning they’re less likely to suffer from staining and discoloration. The high durability of the material also means that veneers can withstand normal biting pressure with less chance of damage. However, veneers are not impervious to discoloration or fractures. If you don’t care for them properly, they can suffer staining and chips just like your natural teeth.
Brushing and Flossing
Although porcelain isn’t as affected by plaque as enamel, it’s still important to brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day. For the most part, you can brush and floss like you normally would. However, it’s important to be careful and gentle when flossing around your veneers. Too much pressure from the floss could cause the veneers to loosen or even fall off.
Maintaining proper oral hygiene doesn’t just keep your veneers clean and healthy, it also helps protect the natural teeth underneath your veneers. Veneers can help prevent damage or decay, but you still need to keep them and your gums clean. Your dentist may even recommend adding an antibacterial mouthwash to your routine to help prevent decay or damage.
Chewing Habits
While veneers are durable, they can still suffer fractures. It’s important to avoid chewing on hard surfaces, such as the end of a pen, or biting directly into hard foods, such as an apple. When eating, it’s always best to cut your food into bite-sized pieces to avoid putting too much pressure on your veneers. During the first few days after treatment, it’s also a good idea to avoid particularly gummy or chewy foods that could cause your veneers to loosen before they settle properly.
Avoiding Staining Drinks
Dark liquids, such as tea, sodas, and coffee, can still have an affect on your veneers. While it’s not as powerful as the effect on your natural teeth, you should still try to avoid staining drinks. If you do drink a dark liquid, you can help protect your teeth by gently rinsing your mouth out with warm water.
If you are unhappy with the look or shade of your smile, porcelain veneers may be able to help. Call Beach Cities Dental Group today at (805) 312-9164 to schedule a consultation and learn more about our cosmetic dentistry options.