For some people, investing in porcelain veneers can significantly boost confidence. But veneers can also be a significant financial investment that could take years to budget for.
That’s why when you invest in porcelain veneers, you likely want to get your money’s worth. This means extending the life of your veneers for as long as possible. With proper care, porcelain veneers can last more than a decade, but you’ll need to treat them right for them to last longer.
To learn more about caring for your porcelain veneers to maximize their lifespan, please check out the tips below!
Extending the Life of Your Porcelain Veneers
1.) Use proper oral hygiene. You might think that you don’t need to brush or floss as often because you have porcelain veneers, but nothing could be further from the truth. You can still get cavities and gingivitis with veneers, so it’s essential to maintain your oral hygiene. This means brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing at least one time per day. Be sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush so you don’t scratch the surface of your porcelain veneers.
2.) Visit Dr. Morgan regularly. Just like brushing and flossing, visiting Dr. Morgan regularly (once or twice a year) is essential to maintaining the life of your porcelain veneers. During these visits, Dr. Morgan will ensure your teeth and gums are healthy. He will also monitor the condition of your porcelain veneers.
3.) Beware of abrasive toothpaste and toothbrushes. Your porcelain veneers aren’t delicate, but they still can be scratched by harsh toothpaste and stiff-bristled toothbrushes. Thus, be sure only to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste.
4.) Watch what you eat and drink. When eating with porcelain veneers, you must be careful about what you consume. Avoid eating crunchy foods, and never use your teeth to open packages (actually, don’t do that even if you don’t have veneers!). Furthermore, avoid excessively hot or cold foods and beverages, which can cause temperature-related stress on your porcelain veneers.
5.)Stop bad habits. We know it’s hard, but you should quit if you smoke or vape. It will improve your oral and overall body health, and it will help protect your porcelain veneers and prevent them from staining. Furthermore, if you’re a nail-biter, you should also quit that bad habit, as nail-biting could damage your veneers.
6.) Wear a mouth guard. Mouth guards aren’t just for sports. They can also help patients with bruxism (teeth grinding). Dr. Morgan can fit you for a comfortable custom mouth guard you’ll hardly know you’re wearing. That said, if you participate in sports or activities that may cause facial injuries, wear a mouth guard during those times, too.
7.) Watch out for stains. While your porcelain veneers create a beautiful white smile, it is still possible to stain them. Thus, you should avoid foods that could stain your natural teeth, including coffee, tea, red wine and even some berries.
8.) Eat a balanced diet. We all know a diet rich in fruits and vegetables is good for overall health. When your body is healthy, your veneers will be healthier, too! Extend your life and your smile!
9.) Be gentle. You need to remember that porcelain veneers can come off or come loose if you aren’t gentle with them, so be sure to treat them kindly so they stay attached.
10.) Listen to Dr. Morgan. Dr. Morgan will have care instructions for your porcelain veneers, so follow them as closely as possible and get the maximum life from your veneers.
11.) Make a match. If you have porcelain veneers, you’ll want your natural teeth to match as closely to your porcelain veneers as possible. Thus, you may want to consider tooth whitening for teeth that are not treated with veneers, should your natural teeth begin to look discolored or stained.
The Bottom Line on Extending Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are a durable way to whiten teeth and improve the appearance of minor chips and cracks. They might not last forever, but with the correct maintenance, they can last for many years.
Follow the steps above, and don’t skip your appointments with Dr. Morgan.