Dr. Doray is an expert at making smiles brighter and more attractive with porcelain veneers. Once you make this investment in your smile, you will want to care for your veneers properly so they last a long time. Read on to learn six ways that you can maintain your porcelain veneers and get the most out of your smile makeover.
Aftercare for Your Porcelain Veneers
- Even porcelains and ceramics can pick up stains. Try to avoid or keep to a minimum tobacco, coffee, tea, soy sauce, curry, colas, grape juice, blueberries, and red wine. Routine dental cleanings will usually remove most stains
- Brush with a soft or ultra-soft toothbrush at least two times a day. Floss at least once a day, preferably before bedtime. We recommend non-abrasive toothpastes like Sensodyne ProNamel.
- If you use a mouth rinse, we recommend using one that does not contain alcohol, such as Listerine Total Care or Crest Clean Mint. If you use a home fluoride rinse, try ACT Restoring Zero Alcohol which is a sodium fluoride rinse. Rinses or gels containing stannous fluoride or acidulated phosphate fluoride are not recommended for porcelain restorations.
- Remember; “Your teeth are jewels, not tools!” Habits such as opening packages with your teeth, biting thread, chewing ice, fingernail biting, or biting on pens or pencils should be avoided. Avoid directly biting with your front teeth into ribs, bones, corn on the cob, raw whole carrots, and other hard things such as pretzels, bagels, and biscotti. These habits and activities put stress on your restorations and the cement and may result in their fracture or debonding.
- If you grind or clench your teeth and we have made an appliance for you to wear, then you should wear it nightly! If for any reason there is a change that makes the appliance uncomfortable, you should call us for an appointment to check the appliance in your mouth. Night-time stresses are often the worst and can lead to porcelain fracture!
- If a small chip or fracture does occur, we may be able to smooth or repair it with resin bonding. The fee for repair will depend on the size and complexity of the required repair. Larger fractures usually require a remake of the restoration and the fee will be similar to the fee for the original restoration.
Get Long-Lasting Smile Enhancement with Veneers
Patients often ask how long porcelain veneers will last. It’s a lot like getting a new car! How long it lasts is significantly affected by the way you drive, how many miles you drive in a year, and how well you maintain your car.
In the same manner, the longevity of your restorations depends to a great extent on your habits, how much stress you place on your front teeth, and how well you care for them. With appropriate care, your porcelain veneers will look great for 15 or more years!