Porcelain veneers are popularly used to restore the appearance of teeth that are chipped, broken, discolored, uneven, or otherwise damaged. The procedure usually requires multiple visits to the dentist, who will prepare your teeth for treatment, make impressions of the teeth, then bond the veneers in place. Proper care will help your teeth look and feel their best after the procedure. Here are some basic dos and don’ts.

Do:

Practice regular oral hygiene.

Treat your newly veneered teeth just as you do the rest of your mouth. It’s important to brush at least twice a day for two minutes at a time to prevent serious issues like cavities and potential gum disease, both of which can cause harm to the tooth beneath the veneer. Floss at least once daily to minimize buildup and prevent plaque formation. 

Consume non-staining foods.

Stains can take away from the otherwise pristine appearance of your teeth. While veneers don’t stain too easily, they can lose their luster and become discolored with age. That’s more likely to happen if you regularly drink darker beverages, like coffee, tea, and red wine, or eat stain-causing foods like berries and tomatoes. Rinse your mouth out with water after drinking or eating anything potentially harmful, and brush your teeth as soon as possible.

Don’t:

Chew on hard foods.

While veneers are highly resilient and should withstand general wear and tear with ease, don’t risk their integrity by biting down on anything too hard. Ice, hard candy, apples, celery, and other foods that are challenging to chew can put far too much pressure and force on the thin shells that protect your teeth. Avoid anything of this nature to safeguard the integrity of your veneers.

Grind your teeth.

Also known as bruxism, teeth grinding can cause eventual damage to the teeth and even lead to a misaligned jaw if it continues. If you have veneers, the habit could potentially cause the porcelain shell to crack or strip away the polish that contributes to their glossy finish. Your dentist may recommend a treatment, like a custom mouthguard, to help you break the habit. 
 

If you’re thinking about restoring your smile and are interested in learning more about veneers, turn to Dr. Thomas Park DDS. Proudly serving patients throughout Seymour, CT, and Greater New Haven area, Dr. Park and his staff provide customized, compassionate dental care. They offer a variety of general and cosmetic dentistry services to ensure the long-term health of your teeth and gums, including cleaning, whitening, and toothache treatments. Visit the website for more information, or call (203) 888-9947 to schedule an appointment with the dentist.