Porcelain Veneers Aftercare
Those with chipped, cracked, discolored, or misaligned teeth can benefit from porcelain veneers at our Wichita, KS dental practice. Veneers are durable, thin shells crafted from high-quality dental ceramic. These fabrications are designed to fit over the front surfaces of the teeth for a more uniform, balanced smile.
Here, our team at Nordhus Dentistry explains how you can maintain your veneers for years to come. Read on to learn more about porcelain veneers aftercare.
About Porcelain Veneers: A Brief Overview
In most cases, veneers can be placed in just two office visits. During the first appointment, the teeth are prepared. This involves removing a small amount of enamel from the front surfaces of the teeth. This increases the surface area and allows for better bonding.
Once the teeth have been prepped, impressions will be taken. These molds will be sent to our trusted dental lab, where an experienced ceramist will begin crafting the veneers.
Once your veneers have been sent back to our office, we will schedule you for your second appointment. During this visit, we will check the fit of the veneers and bond them into place. After assessing your bite, any final adjustments will be made.
The Lifespan of Porcelain Veneers
On average, porcelain veneers last about five to 15 years. However, as dental materials continue to advance, veneers could last up to 20 years with proper care and maintenance.
Preventing Dental Damage
Fortunately, caring for your porcelain veneers is no different than caring for your natural teeth. Keep in mind, however, that just because porcelain does not decay, the underlying tooth structure can.
Should a cavity form, your veneer will most likely need to be removed in order to repair the decay. Therefore, it is extremely important to practice good oral hygiene. Patients should brush at least twice per day and floss once daily.
While veneers are made to be strong and resilient, they simply will not last forever. Your restorations can become damaged under excessive pressure. Therefore, it is a good idea to steer clear of certain bad habits. For example, those with veneers should avoid:
- Using their teeth as tools, such as opening packages or pulling off clothing tags
- Chewing on fingernails
- Chewing on pens or pencils
- Chewing on ice
Maintaining the Color of Your Veneers
One of the most significant benefits of dental porcelain is that it is resilient to staining. However, the bonding material underneath (and the natural adjacent teeth) can still become discolored over time. Therefore, we recommend enjoying certain foods and beverages in moderation.
For example, it is a good idea to avoid or limit:
- Coffee
- Tea
- Red wine
- Dark-colored fruit juices
- Tomato sauce
- Soy sauce
- Berries
Following these simple guidelines can help you maintain the beauty of your smile. Specific recommendations can be discussed at length during an initial consultation at our practice.
Schedule a Consultation at Our Practice Today
Are you considering porcelain veneers to improve the aesthetics of your smile? If so, knowing how to care for your new restorations after treatment can save you time, worry, and money in the future.
To schedule a cosmetic consultation at Nordhus Dentistry, reach out to one of our skilled and knowledgeable team members. Call our office at (316) 721-6730 or contact us online anytime.
