Protecting Your Porcelain Veneers: What You Need to Avoid

Porcelain veneers are a popular cosmetic dental treatment that can significantly improve the appearance of your teeth. They are thin, custom-made shells bonded to the front surfaces of your teeth and can be used to correct a wide range of dental issues, including discoloration, chipping, and misalignment. Here are the six most common things that can harm your porcelain veneers.

1. Hard Foods

Porcelain veneers are strong and durable, but they are not indestructible. One of the most common ways veneers can become damaged is by biting down on hard foods, such as ice, nuts, or hard candy. These foods can cause the veneers to crack or chip, which can be painful and expensive to repair. If you have porcelain veneers, it’s important to be mindful of your foods and avoid biting down on anything too hard.

2. Staining Substances

One of the benefits of porcelain veneers is that they are resistant to staining. However, this doesn’t mean that they are entirely immune to discoloration. Certain substances, such as coffee, tea, wine, and tobacco, can still cause your veneers to become discolored over time. If you want to keep your veneers looking bright and white, avoiding or limiting your consumption of these staining substances is important.

3. Grinding or Clenching

If you suffer from bruxism (teeth grinding) or clenching, it’s important to address these issues before getting porcelain veneers. The pressure from grinding or clenching can cause the veneers to crack, chip, or even come loose from your teeth. If you have porcelain veneers and suffer from bruxism or clenching, your dentist may recommend wearing a custom-made night guard to protect your veneers while you sleep.

4. Trauma

Porcelain veneers are designed to be strong and durable but not indestructible. If you experience trauma to your mouth, such as a hard blow or fall, your veneers may become damaged or dislodged. If this happens, it’s important to see your dentist as soon as possible to have your veneers repaired or replaced.

5. Poor Oral Hygiene

Maintaining good oral hygiene is important for everyone, but it’s especially important if you have porcelain veneers. Poor oral hygiene can lead to gum disease, which can cause your veneers to become loose or fall off. Brushing your teeth twice daily, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups are important.

6. Using Your Teeth as Tools

Many of us are guilty of occasionally using our teeth as tools, whether to open a package, rip a tag off of clothing, or bite our nails. However, this can damage your teeth and your porcelain veneers. Using your teeth as tools can cause the veneers to crack or chip or even come loose from your teeth. If you want to keep your veneers looking and functioning their best, using the proper tools for any task is important.

Conclusion

Porcelain veneers are not indestructible, and there are certain things you should avoid if you want to keep them looking and functioning at their best. By avoiding hard foods, staining substances, grinding or clenching, trauma, poor oral hygiene, and using your teeth as tools, you can help ensure that your porcelain veneers last for years. Talk to your dentist if you have any questions or concerns about porcelain veneers. Are you looking for a reliable and experienced veneer dentist to enhance your smile? At Weston Dental Specialists Group, our team of experts is dedicated to providing exceptional dental care services, including porcelain veneers. Contact us today!