Protective Measures To Keep Porcelain Veneers Looking Their Best

Cosmetic dental services are often used to transform the look of the teeth. If you have received a cosmetic dental procedure, you may be amazed at how much better your teeth look. Nevertheless, you may also be concerned about the longevity of the transformation.

Although many cosmetic dental applications are long-lasting, proper precautions should be taken to keep them looking their best. The installation of porcelain dental veneers is a common procedure in cosmetic dentistry. 

Porcelain veneers are pieces of tooth-shaped porcelain that are attached to the front of the teeth. Each veneer is quite thin, so it doesn't make the mouth look bulky or unnatural, and the porcelain material possesses a translucency similar to that of tooth enamel. 

In addition, since the veneers hide the cosmetic blemishes of the teeth, they can be used to correct numerous dental issues. The appearance of teeth that are too small, irregularly shaped or discolored can be corrected quickly and effectively using porcelain veneers. Here are some of the protective measures you should take to keep your veneers looking their best. 

Don't Chew Hard Substances

Nevertheless, the thinness of a veneer can cause it to crack if it placed under unusually large amounts of bite pressure. As a result, if you have veneers, you should refrain from chewing on inedible objects, such as pen tops and pencils. You should also avoid biting hard substances, such as ice and hard candy. If biting on certain objects has become a habit, try to occupy your mouth with sugar-free gum or sips of water.

Wear your mouth guard if you grind your teeth nightly.

Additionally, if you grind your teeth at night, be sure to wear a mouth guard. The guard will absorb much of the damaging grinding force from the bruxism. 

Rinse with water after consuming dark foods and drinks. 

Porcelain veneers can also be discolored over time, so it is best to rinse your mouth with water after consuming deeply pigmented foods and drinks, such as blackberries or coffee.

Care for your gums properly. 

Sometimes, veneers need to be replaced because of a space that develops between the top of the veneer and your gum line as you progress in age. To discourage the recession of your gums, be sure to brush and floss thoroughly each day. Also,  consider the use of an oral irrigator to help clear debris from along the gum line and to stimulate blood flow in the gingival tissues. 

For more information about protecting your dental veneers, schedule a consultation with a cosmetic dentist in your local area. He or she can provide additional tips to keep your veneers in top shape.