Porcelain veneers cover blemishes like minor stains, chips, gaps, and cracks. They may also be applied to protect and prevent further enamel wear on the front of your teeth. To make them last and keep your smile pristine, follow the do’s and don’ts listed below.

Do:

Be careful about what you eat and drink.

While porcelain veneers are durable, you still need to take care while using them. Biting hard items, like ice or hard candy, can cause tiny fissures and cracks to form across the surface of veneers, which can weaken the bond with your tooth. You should also limit the amount of deeply pigmented items you drink, such as tomato juice, wine, and coffee. They can stain the bonding agent used in your veneers, creating an unsightly outline around them.

Watch for signs of bruxism.

Bruxism, or teeth grinding, can put pressure on your veneers, causing cracks, breaks, and wear. It can also affect the rest of your teeth by leading to eroded enamel and cracks. If you have a sore jaw or headache after sleeping, don’t feel well-rested, or have pain and stiffness in your face and jaw, you may have bruxism. Your dentist can check for signs of bruxism and give you a mouthguard to wear at night to protect your teeth and veneers.

Don’t:

Neglect your dental hygiene.

While your veneers provide some protection to the front of your teeth, you still need to follow a strict hygiene regimen. Your teeth are still susceptible to issues like cavities, gum disease, and enamel wear. Oral hygiene will protect your teeth and prevent further issues, as well as protect your veneers.

Smoke tobacco products.

Tobacco products may not cause staining of the veneers themselves, but they will stain the bonding agent. Beyond that, the chemicals in the smoke, like tar, can interact with the bonding agent and weaken it. This could lead to your veneers shifting or coming off your teeth entirely. 

If you need porcelain veneers applied, or your current ones are damaged or came off, Wheeler Family Dental in Chesterfield, MO, has the tools and skills to help. Since 2017, they’ve catered to whole family dental needs, including restorative and cosmetic dentistry procedures, and their dentist has extensive training and certifications. You can learn more about their team online and call (314) 576-3737 to schedule a visit.