How Do I Care for My Porcelain Veneers?

How Do I Care for My Porcelain Veneers?

Veneers are thin, tooth-colored shells that are permanently cemented over teeth to repair many dental imperfections.

Teeth that are stained from hard to reach intrinsic stains or are discolored from years of medications taken, lifestyle choices, or just drab and discolored can be covered.

When teeth are malformed or enamel is worn, teeth can be made to appear symmetrical through dental veneers. 

Once veneers are completed, care is as simple as caring for your natural teeth.

Chipped or cracked teeth are repaired and often are stronger after veneers are cemented in place.

When spaces or gaps between teeth are unattractive, dental veneers can make the spaces appear to close.

A consultation with your cosmetic dentist will provide information to repair many dental challenges through the use of dental veneers. During this appointment, a treatment plan will be outlined and the patient will be advised of needed appointments as well as what care will be needed after treatment is rendered.

What makes porcelain ideal for this application? Porcelain is stain resistant and is well tolerated by gum tissue. Porcelain can be prepped to match the shape, size and color of the teeth being repaired making treated teeth virtually undetectable.

Before veneers are permanently affixed, they are “tried in” to guarantee they are a perfect match to surrounding teeth. Adjustments can be made, if needed.

When cementing the veneers in place, a small amount of dental enamel must be removed so treated teeth will appear natural in size and depth. The biological teeth are then coated with etch which roughs up the surface to aid in veneers adhering to teeth.

Once veneers are completed, care is as simple as caring for your natural teeth. Biting into hard objects like ice, candy, or objects like pens or biting fingernails can chip or break a porcelain veneer, so that is discouraged.

Daily flossing, brushing at least twice per day, and bi-annual visits to the dentist for a cleaning and exam will help keep both treated and untreated teeth healthy and bright for many years.