4 Tips To Keep Veneers Looking Brand New

Veneers provide a quick and long-lasting fix for teeth that are stained, chipped, misaligned, worn, or irregularly shaped. They're an excellent cosmetic dentistry treatment for anyone looking to perfect their smile, and with proper care, veneers will last for a decade or more. 

The best way to ensure your veneers continue to look as great as the day they were put on is to implement these 4 tips to keep them looking brand new. 

Avoid Tooth Decay

Although your porcelain veneers themselves aren't subject to tooth decay, when a cavity and decay damage the underlying tooth structure, this can also damage the veneer. In many cases, after a cavity is repaired, the tooth can no longer support a new veneer. Routine brushing is just as important in taking care of your veneers, if not more, as it is for your natural teeth. 

Ensure Gum Health

Practicing excellent oral care is essential to prevent gum disease and receding gums, which will alter the appearance of veneers. Because the porcelain ends at the gumline, if the tissue recedes, the edge of the veneer will become visible, and the entire restoration may need to be replaced. Be cautious not to overbrush, and be extra cautious when cleaning around your sensitive gum tissue. 

Schedule Regular Dental Exams

Making regular appointments for cleanings and exams with your dentist will help keep your veneers in as great of condition as the day they were put on. Having your natural teeth and your veneers regularly examined will ensure you are proactive rather than reactive should a problem present itself. 

Invest In a Nightguard If You Grind Your Teeth 

If one of the main reasons you have veneers is because your natural teeth were damaged due to teeth grinding, make sure you also get a mouth guard to prevent the same damage from happening again to your new veneers if you have signs of teeth grinding. A custom mouth guard will fit your teeth perfectly and feel comfortable seated in your mouth. Wearing this during the night to protect your veneers and help immobilize your jaw will keep your investment protected. 

Preventing Potential Damage At Home 

After placing your porcelain veneers, patients should commit to an excellent oral hygiene regimen, regular visits to the dentist, and generally a healthy lifestyle. With proper care, veneers are much more likely to reach the 20-year mark before needing to be replaced. 

Make Your New Veneers Last a Lifetime 

Dental veneers are thin facings, or coverings, that bond to your natural teeth. Because of their lightweight and thinness, they can fit over natural teeth with only slight tooth reduction. Whereas crowns replace more of the tooth's structure, veneers essentially create a new outer enamel layer. While they are less durable than crowns, veneers are ideal for front teeth because they are aesthetically superior to other restoration treatments. Porcelain veneers will look, feel, and behave just like natural front teeth. Veneers reflect light the way enamel does, are slightly translucent, and will watch your natural tooth color down to every little detail. 

Porcelain veneers are generally sturdy and should last between 10-15 years with proper patient care. Depending on the wear or damage they incur, veneers may need cosmetic repair or total replacement during their lifetime. Veneers can chip and crack just like your natural teeth, so biting down on hard foods or continuing bad oral habits such as chewing on non-food items can result in damaging your veneers. 

To discover how veneers can transform your smile, schedule an appointment with Tompkins Dental today.