16 Oct How to Care for Your Dental Veneers
If you have a chipped tooth, a noticeable gap between teeth (also called “diastema”) or if you just want a brighter smile, porcelain veneers could be just what you need. But once you have achieved that beautiful smile with veneers, how do you maintain it?
Taking care of your porcelain veneers is the key to their longevity. The good news is that it is easier than you might think! Dedicating a little extra time and attention to your oral hygiene routine and following a few simple habits, you can keep your new smile looking bright and beautiful for years.
What can porcelain veneers do for your smile?
Veneers are thin, custom-made shells made from high-quality porcelain that fit over the front surfaces of your teeth. They are designed to improve the appearance of your smile by correcting cosmetic imperfections like stains, small chips, gaps, and even slight misalignments. Here at Mitchell Dental Spa, Dr. Margaret Mitchell, who is recognized as the best Chicago cosmetic dentist, makes sure each veneer fits perfectly with your natural teeth so you can have a smile you will love.
It’s important to know that while porcelain veneers are tough and resist stains really well, they are not indestructible. Unhealthy habits or neglecting proper care can cause your veneers to lose their shine or get scratched over time. But as we said before, properly caring for your veneers is easier than you might think. Below are four easy tips to care for your new smile:
1 — Watch out for staining foods and drinks
Though porcelain veneers are very good at resisting stains compared to natural teeth, they can still get discolored over time. Certain foods and beverages can be especially problematic when it comes to staining. Coffee, tea, red wine, curry, and tomato sauce all have a reputation for leaving stains and can gradually dull the bright and white appearance of your veneers if you are not careful.
Thankfully, you don’t have to give up your favorite foods or drinks entirely to keep your porcelain veneers in good shape. Dr. Margaret Mitchell recommends rinsing your mouth with water or brushing your teeth shortly after you have had any of these staining foods or drinks. This will minimize the risk of discoloration and keep your smile looking fresh.
2 — Keep up with your daily oral care
You must practice good oral hygiene whether you have veneers or not, but you do need to be extra careful once you have invested in your smile. You might be surprised to know that while porcelain veneers in Chicago are resistant to decay, the natural teeth underneath can still get cavities and gum problems.
If you want to keep your teeth and gums healthy and your veneers looking great, Dr. Mitchell recommends brushing at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. Flossing daily is just as important because it removes the plaque buildup from between your teeth, which helps keep your porcelain veneers clean and your gums healthy. If you are not sure what toothpaste or toothbrush to use, just ask Dr. Mitchell at your next appointment!
3 — Protect your porcelain veneers from grinding damage
Do you sometimes grind your teeth while you sleep? If you do, know that this habit could be hurting your porcelain veneers. This grinding is called bruxism, and it can cause your veneers to chip or crack over time. You might not even realize you are doing it because it happens while you are asleep!
Dr. Margaret Mitchell can help you here. As the best cosmetic dentist in Chicago, she focuses not only on making your smile look its best but also on keeping it healthy for as long as possible. If you grind your teeth when you are sleeping, she may recommend a custom night guard. This mouthguard can protect your veneers (and your natural teeth) from all that grinding wear and tear, thus keeping your smile intact and pain-free!
4 — Regular dental visits keep your porcelain veneers healthy
Even if you are very diligent about your oral hygiene at home, you should still get professional dental checkups and cleanings to keep your veneers (and your natural teeth) healthy. Regular cleanings can remove any plaque and tartar that brushing and flossing might miss. On top of that, Dr. Mitchell can check the condition of your porcelain veneers to make sure they are still in good shape and make any adjustments if needed.
At Mitchell Dental Spa, our focus is on preventive care so we can catch any potential issues early and address them before they become bigger problems. This is why you should consider scheduling regular appointments with Dr. Mitchell if you want to keep your porcelain veneers looking and feeling their best. And with Dr. Mitchell being named the best Chicago cosmetic dentist for 15 years running, you can trust that your smile is in great hands!
How to keep your smile looking its best?
Your porcelain veneers are made to give you that perfect smile you have always wanted, and if you take care of them, they can last a long time! Just be careful with foods that might stain them, brush and floss your teeth regularly, and protect your teeth from grinding — it is all so simple and so worth it.
Just remember that taking care of your porcelain veneers is only part of the equation. Keeping your natural teeth and gums healthy will help your veneers last even longer. Dr. Mitchell is always here to give you helpful advice or answer any questions you might have, so don’t hesitate to reach out to her.
Ready to improve your smile with porcelain veneers? Call Mitchell Dental Spa today!
If you are thinking about getting porcelain veneers or already have some and want to keep them in good shape, Dr. Margaret Mitchell is here to help. Call Mitchell Dental Spa today at 312-642-1014 to schedule your consultation. You can also schedule your appointment online!
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Call us at (312) 642-1014 or schedule an appointment online. We will answer any questions and concerns, and help you determine if veneers are right for you.
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