Blog

The placement of porcelain veneers is one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry treatment offered at Dr. Todd Holton's Phoenix-based practice. Patients love porcelain veneers for their ability to transform the smile in as little as two dental visits. Porcelain veneers are extremely durable and long lasting, however, you can help prolong the life span of your porcelain veneers by properly caring for them.

Caring for Your Porcelain Veneers after Treatment

Properly caring for your porcelain veneers is imperative to ensuring that your veneers will look and function their best for many years to come. One of the biggest keys to ensuring the longevity of your porcelain veneers is to keep your natural teeth healthy. Porcelain veneers are only bonded to the front surface of the tooth, leaving exposed areas of the natural tooth susceptible to cavities. If a cavity forms within a tooth with a veneer, the veneer may need to be removed and replaced. Brushing and flossing regularly can help reduce the risk of cavities and help prolong the life of your veneers.

Gum health is also important to the durability of your veneers. Plaque and tartar buildup can lead to gum disease, which is characterized by tender, bleeding gums. If left untreated, gum disease can cause the gums to pull away from the teeth, leaving the teeth vulnerable to decay, which in turn can shorten the life of your veneers.

Caring for Your Porcelain Veneers

When in between dental visits, be sure to practice these tips to keep your veneers at their finest:

• Brush at least twice a day: Brushing your teeth regularly is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of cavities and prolong the life of your veneers. Brush at least twice a day for a full two minutes each time. Be sure to brush well at the gum line.
• Floss once a day: Flossing is often skipped but it is one the greatest ways to reduce gum disease and to keep your veneers at their best. Floss between each tooth, making sure to follow up along the gum line.
• Don't use hard bristled brushes or abrasive toothpastes: Hard bristled toothbrushes and highly abrasive toothpastes can scratch your porcelain veneers, leaving them susceptible to staining.
• Avoid biting or chewing on hard objects: Though porcelain veneers are very strong, biting or chewing hard items, like pen caps or ice, can chip or fracture veneers.
• Wear a mouthguard: For porcelain veneers patients who play sports or grind their teeth, wearing a mouthguard offers protection from chipping or wearing down.
• See your dentist regularly: Even with porcelain veneers, it is important to continue to see your dentist for regular check-ups. This way, your dentist will be able to catch any problems with your veneers as soon as possible.

Schedule a Consultation!

You can enjoy the beauty of your porcelain veneers for many years to come with a little care and attention. To find out more information about caring for veneers or to learn about other treatment options, we invite you to schedule a consultation today!