Patricia
Have you just gotten porcelain veneers, or are you considering getting them?
They’re a great way to give your smile a fresh, attractive look. However, once the veneers are in place, you need to do the proper maintenance to keep them looking good. When you do, they’ll work well for years.
Here are five mistakes in porcelain veneer maintenance you want to avoid to keep your veneers functioning generally for the long term.
1. Misidentifying Risks
Although veneers are specially designed to resist staining and discoloration, it is still possible for them to become damaged. It is easy to damage the surfaces without correctly identifying the risk involved in certain activities. Common hazards include drinking dark-colored beverages such as coffee, tea, and red wine, eating highly acidic foods, and grinding or clenching teeth.
Avoiding or restricting such activities as much as possible is best to prevent damage. Good oral hygiene, such as brushing twice daily and using fluoride-based toothpaste, is also essential.
2. Not Following Instructions
It would be best if you took the time to read and understand your dentist’s instructions. For example, many dentists will instruct how to brush and floss around the surfaces and what products to use. Not following these instructions can damage the veneers or cause poor cleaning.
Not following these instructions can lead to pockets around the veneers, trapped food particles, and an increased risk of decay. The best way to prevent such mistakes is to ask questions about the veneer maintenance routine.
3. Poor Diet
To avoid it, you should be mindful of your food and drink. It is best to avoid dark-colored drinks and drinks such as coffee and soda that can cause staining. Avoiding behavior like eating hard or sticky foods can help prevent chipping or cracking of the veneers.
Sugary food and drinks can cause accelerated erosion of the enamel supporting your porcelain veneers. Teeth grinding and excessive clenching, which may be triggered by stress, should also be avoided as they can cause damage to the porcelain veneers.
4. Not Being Proactive
Failing to make proactive maintenance visits to the dentist will result in the veneers staining and losing their shine and luster. This can also cause discoloration to the surrounding tooth structure and gum tissue.
To avoid this mistake, do routine check-ups and cleanings every six months to polish and clean the veneers to restore their gleam. Furthermore, taking proactive steps to keep your oral health in check will help keep your surfaces in tip-top shape. To experience some of the benefits of veneers, look for a TMJ specialist.
5. Careless Flossing
Flossing is essential to maintain good dental hygiene, but it needs to be done gently and correctly. To avoid careless flossing, make sure to use the proper technique. If you’re too aggressive or use the wrong method, it can damage your porcelain veneers over time.
Wind the dental floss around your fingers for additional control; gently slide it up and down your teeth instead of sawing it back and forth. Also, any stubborn food particles between teeth should be carefully removed with a proxy brush instead of flossing.
Avoid These Mistakes in Porcelain Veneer Maintenance
Maintaining porcelain veneers is an essential factor in keeping them beautiful and long-lasting. By avoiding common mistakes in porcelain veneer maintenance, you can ensure the upkeep of your surfaces for years to come. Make sure to avoid using abrasives, wearing them down, and using overly vigorous brushing.
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