4 Tips for Protecting Your Porcelain Veneers

Every time you looked in the mirror, your eyes were drawn to your smile for all the wrong reasons. Your chipped and discolored teeth made you ashamed to show your smile to the world. Then you got porcelain veneers in Richmond and it changed your life. Now you have a perfect smile like the movie stars! However, in order to make sure your veneers last, you have to take good care of them. Here are four tips to help you do just that.

Don’t Chew on Hard Objects

When you get nervous, you might indulge in a habit like nail biting, pen chewing, or ice cube crunching. One other thing these habits all have in common is that they can break your porcelain veneers, and even chip the teeth underneath them. Although veneers are durable, they’re not as strong as your natural teeth, so they are more susceptible to breakage. If you get the urge to chew on something hard, pop in a piece of sugarless gum instead. It will satisfy your craving to chew while also cleaning your teeth!

Say “No” to Foods and Drinks That Stain

Porcelain veneers are highly resistant to stains, much more so than your natural tooth enamel. However, the adhesive that connects the veneers to your teeth can still become discolored, resulting in the edges of your teeth becoming yellowed or darkened. Avoid consuming the following items to keep your veneers pearly and white:

• Berries
• Coffee
• Tea
• Wine
• Darkly pigmented sauces like tomato, soy, and curry

If you’re going to eat or drink these items, at least brush your teeth right afterwards to prevent stains from setting in.

Wear a Mouthguard

Whether you play a contact sport, pump iron at the gym, or go bike riding by yourself, you should always protect your teeth and your veneers. The best way to do that is to wear a mouthguard, or a protective tray worn over the teeth to prevent injury from impact. You could buy a one-size-fits-all mouthguard at the sporting goods store, but it’s worth the investment to get a better fitted one from your dentist. The better the fit, the more protection it will provide.

Quit Grinding Your Teeth

Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is a surprisingly common habit. The pressure of grinding wears down your veneers and the underlying tooth enamel. If you wake up with sore teeth or pain in your jaw, you might be grinding your teeth in your sleep. Ask your dentist about getting a nightguard. This protective tray will keep your top and bottom teeth from making unwanted contact during the night.

Porcelain veneers are not designed to last forever, but if you keep these tips in mind, they can be a part of your smile for years to come!

About the Author

Dr. William Way earned his doctorate from the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond, the same city where he now practices at Westhampton Dentistry and has since 1987. His professional memberships include the American Dental Association, the Virginia Dental Association, and the Richmond Dental Society. He offers porcelain veneers to correct all kinds of flaws you might have in your smile. To learn more, click here to visit Dr. Way’s website.