Whether your front teeth are crooked, chipped, pitted, gapped, or discolored, dental veneers can make them look perfect. Veneers are thin coverings of porcelain that are attached by your dentist to your natural teeth.
Porcelain veneers can last for 10 to 15 years or longer with proper care. You maintain your veneers just like you would the rest of your teeth, and you will naturally be even more careful with them in order to prevent damage or breakage.
Similar to dental crowns, porcelain veneers will remain in place until your dentist removes them or if they are somehow damaged in an accident. Also similarly to dental crowns, they may need to be replaced eventually.
Let’s talk about the longevity and maintenance of porcelain veneers, and where you can go for a consultation about what dental treatment would work best for your teeth.
How to Make Dental Veneers Last Longer
There are several ways to maximize the lifetime of your dental veneers, including the following:
Gently Brush and Floss Every Day
Brushing and flossing at least twice daily is essential to maintaining your porcelain veneers. Use non-abrasive toothpaste to minimize wear on the porcelain, and floss carefully so as not to pull on the veneers.
Have Routine Checkups and Cleanings
Be sure to visit your dentist at least twice a year for a dental cleaning and to check your veneers. Your dentist will also check for issues such as tooth decay behind the veneers.
Avoid Hard Foods
Eating extremely hard foods, such as nuts, can dislodge or crack your veneers. If you are eating hard food, be sure not to chew or bite using the teeth which have veneers on them.
Avoid Biting Non-Food Items
It may be tempting to use your teeth as tools, but doing so can ruin your veneers. Always take the extra step of going over and getting scissors, pliers, or a staple remover rather than using your teeth.
Wear Oral Protection
Consider wearing a mouthguard when playing sports, especially contact sports or ballgame sports in which a stray ball or puck could hit you in the mouth and damage your veneers (and other teeth). A mouth guard provides an extra layer of protection for your teeth, so your veneers are much less likely to crack or chip upon sudden impact.
Cosmetic Dentist in St. Paul
A great smile makes a great impression, and it also makes you feel confident. Porcelain veneers will make your smile look perfect for many years to come – and for pictures that will potentially last for generations.
If you’d like to find out whether dental veneers are right for you, talk to Dr. Steven Hagerman. Dr. Hagerman has many years of successful experience practicing cosmetic dentistry, family dentistry, and restorative dentistry right here in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Hagerman, contact Hagerman Dental Care today by calling us at (651) 646-2392 or by filling out our appointment request form online now. We look forward to helping you smile brighter!