How careful must I be with my new veneers?

Porcelain veneers can make a huge difference in the look of your smile. They require very little reshaping of your teeth, making them one of the least invasive cosmetic dentistry treatments. They are also one of the most versatile treatments and can be used to correct a wide range of cosmetic issues. Though porcelain veneers are very durable, taking proper care of them helps keep them looking their best for a decade or more.

Taking Care of Your Veneers

Once they’re adhered to your teeth, porcelain veneers are strong and durable. However, they are still susceptible to cracking or chipping, and the tooth beneath the veneer can be vulnerable to decay. For these reasons, it’s important to take proper care of your veneers so they will keep your smile looking beautiful for years to come.

Some basic guidelines for caring for your veneers include:

• Use a soft toothbrush to clean your teeth regularly
• Avoid biting hard objects, which could chip the edges of your veneers
• When you go to the dentist, tell your hygienist that you have veneers
• Visit the dentist regularly to ensure no cavities are developing

For the most part, you can treat your veneer-treated teeth in the same way you do your untreated teeth, with minor additions to your everyday care designed to protect the porcelain.

Choosing Cosmetic Veneers

If you have issues with the way your smile looks, ask your dentist about veneers. They can be used to disguise issues like severe discoloration, surface damage, or even minor misalignment and small gaps between the teeth. The porcelain reflects light much like natural enamel does, so your teeth will even have the same luster after they’re treated. Veneers are also custom-made and color matched so they don’t look out of place in your mouth.

Veneers can last a long time – often ten to fifteen years or more – if you take proper care of them. So, if you do decide on cosmetic veneers, maintain excellent oral hygiene and visit the dentist regularly to keep your smile looking bright well into the future.