6 Tips for Taking Care of Your Porcelain Veneers

Did you just make over your smile with porcelain veneers from Millennium Smiles? We know that you love your new smile and are probably still grinning from ear to ear showing off your new pearly whites. We want you to keep it that way, so we have compiled a few tips to help keep your porcelain veneers looking great:

Take Care of Your Veneers. Taking care of your porcelain veneers is as important as taking care of your natural teeth. This means you should brush at least twice per day (with a soft-bristled brush and non-abrasive toothpaste) and floss at least once per day. This is to maintain your healthy teeth that are under your veneers and prevent tooth decay.

Prevent Stains. Veneers are formulated to resist staining, but bonding materials can be affected by dark-colored food and drinks like berries, wine, soda, and coffee. When this bonding material becomes stained, your teeth can appear yellow or brown. To prevent this from happening, Dr. Korous recommends that you use a straw when drinking wine or other dark beverages and brushing immediately after eating foods that can leave you with stains.

Veneers are a great way to update your smile. Keep them looking great with these tips.
Quit Smoking. Smoking and the use of tobacco products can cause staining and can negatively impact the bond between your teeth and the veneer overlay. When this bond becomes damaged or weakened, it leaves you at risk for cracking and lifting. Not only can quitting smoking and tobacco products prolong the life of your veneers, but it can also help to prolong your life by reducing your risk developing oral and other forms of cancer.

Avoid Hard Foods. Porcelain veneers are very durable, but you can cause chips, cracks, and other damage by crunching on hard foods like hard foods like nuts, hard candies, and ice. You should also avoid using your teeth as tools to open packages, remove bottle caps and wine corks (yes, people do this!)

Grind Your Teeth? Wear a Mouthguard. Grinding your teeth can put stress on your veneers, just like on your natural teeth. This stress means cracks, chips, and damage to your tooth enamel and your porcelain veneers. Talk to Dr. Korous about being fitted for a mouthguard to prevent damage to your veneers.

Schedule and Keep Your Dental Appointments. Be sure to visit Dr. Korous at least twice per year for your dental checkups and cleanings.

Questions about porcelain veneers? Call Millennium Smiles today at our Little Elm dental office 972-987-4899 for a consultation.