Many people go to their dentist for veneers to change the shape and appearance of their teeth. Whether it's to close a gap or fix alignment issues, this cosmetic procedure can change the way you look, feel, eat, and speak. To keep your veneers in good condition, you have to practice good oral care beyond brushing and flossing. Here is a guide to aftercare tips for porcelain veneers. 

3 Porcelain Veneer Aftercare Tips

1. Stop Teeth Grinding

Teeth grinding, otherwise known as bruxism, can cause permanent damage to your new veneers. This behavior commonly occurs at night while you're sleeping. The pressure and movement of the grinding can crack the porcelain and misalign the jaw. 

Grinding is often accompanied with telltale signs of jaw pain and headaches upon waking up. If you notice these symptoms, contact your dentist about ways you can protect your veneers, like a mouthguard. 

2. Prevent Stains 

Although porcelain veneers don't stain as easily as your natural tooth enamel, without proper care, your new smile can easily become discolored. Certain foods that are darker in color, like beets, berries, soda, red wine, coffee and tea, have the ability to transfer to your smile. 

If you don't want to limit particularly colorful beverages, try using a straw so the liquid goes past your teeth instead of through them. Rinse with water often, whether you are eating or drinking, and brush when you can. 

3. Limit Hard Foods

Porcelain is durable and resilient, but it can still be damaged when you bite into a hard object. Your jaw is the strongest muscle in the body with the ability to withstand as much as 200 pounds of force. All of this pressure is dangerous for the health of your veneers. Avoid chewing ice or hard candy and cut firm foods like carrots, apples, and celery into smaller pieces when you can.  

Are you looking for a dentist you can trust with your oral care? Look no further than Stadler Dental Care in Columbus, NE. Dr. Andrew Stadler and his skilled team are dedicated to making every trip to the dentist a positive one. Patients at this dental practice benefit from Dr. Stadler's commitment to continued education, ensuring they receive the most advanced dentistry opportunities using innovative equipment and strategies. From teeth cleanings to crowns, patients are able to achieve the smile they always wanted. To learn more about the practice, visit the website. To schedule an appointment, call (402) 564-4093.