Porcelain veneers are an effective cosmetic treatment for patients with broken, misaligned, or discolored teeth. Once the ceramic fixtures are bonded to your teeth, you will want to maintain them to keep your perfect smile. Dr. Ben Ahlbrecht, a dentist in Indianapolis with North Meridian Dental Excellence, is an expert in cosmetic dentistry and offers advice about taking care of your porcelain veneers.
Avoid pressure on teeth
Once bonded to your teeth, porcelain veneers can only be removed by a dentist. Veneers are a permanent cosmetic solution, which means they are durable. You will be able to eat and speak normally with porcelain veneers in place. However, veneers are not indestructible.
Porcelain veneers are subject to breakage or other damage if put under pressure. Chewing hard items, such as fingernails, ice, or the end of a pen, can harm your veneers. Patients who clench or grind their teeth might be advised against getting veneers because veneers can be damaged this way. If you are conscious of avoiding bad oral habits, your veneers can last longer than a decade.
Keep your teeth clean
To maintain healthy teeth and gums, you need to keep up good oral hygiene. This is also the case for porcelain veneers. Just like with your natural teeth, you should be brushing your veneers twice a day and flossing daily. Porcelain veneers are stain-resistant, but surrounding teeth and gums can suffer from decay or deterioration if oral hygiene is neglected. Veneers require the support of healthy teeth and gums. Keep them clean to make sure your veneers last as long as they can.
Note changes in your bite
It may take some time for you to get used to the feeling of veneers over your teeth. Porcelain veneers are constructed based on 3D imaging of your mouth to ensure a customized fit. They are built in a laboratory with consideration to your ideal tooth color, size, and shape. Your dentist will adjust the fixtures to align with your unique mouth during the final fitting in the office. If anything feels out of place, communicate this to your dentist. Sometimes, veneers may become loose over time. You should schedule an appointment with your dentist if this happens to avoid the shifting of your surrounding teeth.
Get porcelain veneers at your Indianapolis dentist
Porcelain veneers are one of many cosmetic dental treatments available from North Meridian Dental Excellence in Indianapolis. Dr. Ahlbrecht also specializes in general and restorative dentistry. To schedule a dental appointment with us, contact our office online or by phone at 317.204.7134.