Protecting Your Porcelain Veneers

If you have recently invested in a smile makeover using porcelain veneers, you are likely feeling elated at the dazzling look of your brand-new smile. While dental veneers are an excellent way to cover your smile imperfections and boost your self-confidence, they are not invincible. Knowing how to protect your cosmetic dentistry investment is important.

Porcelain veneers are thin, tooth-colored porcelain shells that are bonded directly over your existing teeth. Veneers are durable, stain-resistant and customized to create a balanced and beautiful smile. When getting veneers, a very small portion of your teeth must be shaved off to ensure your veneers can strongly adhere. This makes veneers an irreversible cosmetic procedure. Veneers are designed to withstand normal dental function for many years. However, just like your natural teeth, they need proper care and protection. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Bad Habits

If you want to retain your perfect smile with veneers, go ahead and kick bad habits like chewing ice, opening plastic bottles with your teeth and biting fingernails. These are surefire ways to ruin your custom smile.

Grinding

Teeth grinding or bruxism is a habit that places excessive pressures on your teeth. Many patients grind their teeth during their sleep. To ensure you’re not damaging your veneers while you’re catching some zzz’s, talk to your dentist about a custom nighttime mouth guard. This simple appliance can protect your teeth and your jaw!

Poor Dental Hygiene

While the veneer itself can’t get a cavity, the underlying tooth certainly can. It is important to maintain diligent oral hygiene efforts, regardless of what your veneers seem to be covering up. You are still susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease, which can affect the support of your veneers and cause them to slip.

Dental Trauma

Are you involved in sports? We applaud your active lifestyle. However, make sure you are doing your part to keep your new smile safe while you are on the field or court. A custom athletic mouth guard is an essential piece of equipment if you want to protect your dental veneers while playing sports.

At Alora Dentistry & Implant Center, we make every effort to extend the lifetime of your cosmetic investment. This includes making sure your porcelain veneers are fit and placed with the highest level of precision. If you have teeth that are gapped, chipped, misshapen or discolored, ask us how veneers could transform your smile. We will make sure you understand how to protect your new smile for many years to come!