Keeping Up with Your Veneers | Snohomish Dentist

When it’s time for you to get porcelain veneers, your daily oral care routine is going to change. Yes, the porcelain used to make your veneers are made to look like your teeth and have a level of durability that is similar to real teeth, but they aren’t the same and shouldn’t be treated like they are. After all, why do you have veneers in the first place? Worn, chipped and/or discolored teeth generally become this way due to certain habits or activities we love to do. And since they aren’t meant to last forever, the longevity of your porcelain veneers depends on how well you look after them. Here are a few suggestions to make sure your veneers last as long as they possibly can. Firstly, it all comes down to the basics. Brushing and flossing daily is not only good for your veneers, but will also help to prevent future veneers. Use a nonabrasive toothpaste containing fluoride to ensure that that it won’t scratch your veneers, leaving them prone to issues like periodontitis, which can cause your gums to recede. Because your veneers are placed right at the gum line, if your gums do happen to recede, the appearance of your veneers could be compromised.

If staining is one of your main issues, staying clear from beverages like coffee, wine and tea is a great idea to keep your new teeth pearly white. Porcelain is very resistant to staining by nature, but the cement used to affix the veneers is prone to staining over time.

Chipped teeth are generally caused by accidental incidents, but can also be caused by biting your fingernails or munching on things like hard candy or ice. While it seems like a harmless act, using your teeth to do things like this can break or dislodge your teeth, but can also do the same to your veneer. Stay away from using your teeth as a chisel. While they are always handy, being in your mouth, it isn’t good for your teeth. Similarly, if you are known to clench or grind your teeth, like while you sleep, this is also a bad habit that is really doing damage to your teeth. Talk to your dentist. They can create a night guard that will prevent your teeth from wearing down and your veneers from accidently chipping.

When it comes to our bodies, taking preventative measures is always the best bet. The better we take care of ourselves, the longer we last. Same can be said for veneers. So look after them so they can look after you.

If you feel that you may need veneers, contact Dr. Ted Haines, DDS in Snohomish, WA at 360-568-8577 or visit www.tedhainesdds.com for additional information.

Dr. Ted Haines proudly accepts patients from Snohomish, Monroe, Lake Stevens, Everett, Mill Creek, Woodinville, and surrounding areas.