How to Care for Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain Veneers are thin shells of porcelain that are custom created to enhance one’s smile. The Porcelain Veneers have the ability to change the shape, size, length, and color of your teeth.

People who have discolored, chipped, broken teeth or simply do not like the way their teeth look can use porcelain veneers to correct their smile. Dr. Troy Gombert has been using veneers to resolve these common issues in the Phoenix, AZ area for almost 20 years.

While porcelain veneers are very durable and strong, they must be taken care of so they can last as long as possible. When cared for properly, porcelain veneers can last 10-15-20 years. The following are tips to help your porcelain veneers last the test of time:

Proper Hygiene for Veneers

This seems like a straight forward solution, but sometimes patients feel that now that I have porcelain covering my teeth nothing can go wrong! Porcelain veneers can not decay but there is still a tooth underneath that can. One should brush twice a day and floss once per day to keep their veneers in great shape. This not only helps to take care of the veneers but helps in keeping your mouth as healthy as possible.

Brushing Porcelain Veneers

Ideally, use an electric toothbrush with a non-whitening toothpaste. A soft manual toothbrush can be used if needed, but an electric toothbrush is ideal for proper cleaning of your porcelain veneers, as well as, your whole mouth. A non abrasive tooth paste is preferred as to not damage the polished surface of the porcelain veneers.

Using Mouthwash

Using a great mouthwash is good for your whole mouth as well as removing bacteria around the porcelain veneers. Some like to use a mouthwash such as Listerine to kill bacteria and others like to use a more gentle mouthwash such as Closys.

Frequent Dental Check-Ups

It is important not only for your porcelain veneers, but for your entire mouth and body to have regular 6 month professional cleanings and check ups. Your gums and teeth will stay healthy and minor repairs or adjustments can be made to the porcelain veneers if need be.

Avoid Chewing on Objects

Porcelain veneers are very strong and durable but nothing is as strong as your natural teeth. Avoid using a tearing motion with porcelain veneers such as tearing a piece of beef jerky. In addition try not to bite on objects such as pencils, chew fingernails, or crunch on ice.

Avoid Grinding Your Teeth

If you clench or grind your teeth for any reason, talk to your dentist about a custom made occlusal guard (night guard) to wear while you sleep to protect the porcelain veneers as well as your regular teeth.

Porcelain veneers can make an amazing transformation to your smile. Taking proper care of your smile and porcelain veneers will help the veneers to last as long as possible.