Porcelain veneers are an effective, permanent cosmetic dental treatment. They can whiten, straighten, and reshape your smile.
To ensure long-lasting cosmetic benefits, you want to take care of your veneers as well as possible. Dr. Jim Lassiter, a dentist in Milton, FL, provides three tips for caring for and maintaining your porcelain veneers.
Pay Attention to Your Bite
It can take some time to get used to the feeling of porcelain veneers over your teeth. Veneers feature cap-like shells that secure to the front of teeth with dental bonding.
Porcelain veneers are custom-made to suit your aesthetic goals and to create a naturally beautiful look according to the unique size, shape, and color of your teeth. Your dentist will adjust the veneers for the perfect fit during your dental procedure.
If you notice that your bite feels misaligned or loose after the veneers are fit to your teeth, you should contact your dentist. They can make any necessary changes to the veneers to ensure a secure fit and avoid any damage to the veneers or surrounding teeth.
Avoid Abnormal Pressure
Veneers are constructed to withstand the everyday wear and tear that your natural teeth experience. However, they are susceptible to damage if exposed to abnormal amounts of pressure.
For this reason, you should avoid biting down on hard objects, such as ice, the end of a pen, or fingernails. Awareness of oral habits like these can avoid costly dental repairs and ensure the cosmetic benefits of your porcelain veneers last as long as possible.
If you grind or clench your teeth, you should let your dentist know. This behavior can harm your veneers, and your dentist may suggest an alternative cosmetic treatment for you.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Porcelain veneers are stain-resistant and do not decay as your natural teeth can. However, they can still develop a film of plaque from bacteria in your mouth which can spread to your surrounding teeth.
Oral hygiene practices, including brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing daily, remove plaque before it can harm your teeth. If left untreated, plaque can eat away at tooth enamel and weaken your teeth. To ensure your teeth remain healthy and strong enough to support your veneers, you should maintain proper oral hygiene habits.
Porcelain Veneers and Other Cosmetic Dentistry in Milton, FL
Dr. Lassiter offers porcelain veneers and other cosmetic dental treatments to patients in Milton, FL. Our practice also specializes in restorative and general dentistry for patients of all ages. To schedule an appointment with us, contact our office online or reach us by phone at 850.203.3318.