Porcelain veneers can be the solution to a wide range of issues, from stained or discoloured teeth to teeth that are uneven in length, and once the veneers have been fitted, you do need to be careful. The dentist requires great skill to attach the veneers, which have been handcrafted to match your teeth perfectly, and with that in mind, here are some tips to help you keep your veneers in good shape.
- Use Antiseptic Mouthwash Daily - This will help to keep the delicate porcelain surfaces clean, and even though the veneers are stain-resistant, it is a good idea to use the mouthwash to ensure that there is no bacteria build-up. This is part of a good daily oral hygiene program and even those without veneers should use mouthwash, especially after drinking coffee or red wine, which stain the teeth.
- Brush And Floss As Normal - Don't worry that brushing and flossing will damage the veneers. While they are delicate in some respects, porcelain veneers can handle regular brushing and flossing, and if you are having porcelain veneers Brisbane locals prefer, your dentist would give you a list of important points that include regular brushing and flossing. It is also important that you avoid abrasive toothpaste, which could damage the surface of the veneers, but otherwise, brush and floss with the same force and frequency as you do regularly.
- Avoid Chewing Or Biting Down On Hard Materials - While the veneers are very strong and durable, it is never a good idea to subject them to unnecessary stress, and when chewing tough meat, for example, use the molars at the back of your mouth. If you like to chew pen tops or other plastic items, be aware that this could cause a veneer to crack, so you should be constantly aware of the pressures you are exerting on the teeth that have veneers attached.
- Avoid Contact Sports - A collision could result in losing the veneers, so try to avoid sports where heavy contact is a possibility, but if you must take part in such activities, wear a mouthguard, which will protect your teeth, and, of course, the veneers. Your dentist would give you a list of do's and don'ts after the veneers are fitted, which will help you take good care of them.
- Don't Use Your Teeth As Tools - It might look very cool to open a beer bottle with your teeth or to twist off a stubborn screw top, yet this is a sure way to damage your porcelain veneers. Your teeth should be treated with respect, and while you may have used them as a tool in the past, having veneers fitted means you must avoid doing so in the future.
Many people have their teeth whitened after having veneer treatment, which helps to match your existing teeth to the same shade as the veneers, but whatever else you do, please remember that the veneers are present and that you should take care about oral hygiene, as this will help to ensure there are no issues in the future.
