Most people know all the basics behind caring for teeth properly. However, many potential veneer patients wonder if the same rules apply to porcelain smiles. Similarly to natural teeth, taking care of your veneers is essential to maintaining good oral health. Here are some of our top veneer maintenance tips to keep in mind!

Practice Proper Oral Hygiene

Porcelain veneers are an excellent final-restoration treatment, but they don’t eliminate the need for proper oral hygiene. Even with veneers, you still need to brush and floss your teeth daily to maintain the appearance of your smile and prevent bad breath and gum disease.

Please note that abrasive products may cause minor scratches to veneers over time. Therefore, soft-bristled toothbrushes and gentle toothpaste without grit are ideal options. Brush your teeth twice daily, once in the morning and again at night. Then, follow with floss and mouthwash at least once a day. Doing so will effectively remove plaque, food particles, and debris that naturally collect on and around your veneers.

See Your Dentist Regularly

One of the greatest benefits of getting porcelain veneers is they can last about twenty years with proper care and maintenance. However, despite their longevity, we always encourage our patients to see their dentist every four to six months to maintain optimal oral health.

Regular check-ups give your dentist the chance to catch any budding problems early. Plus, if they happen to identify any issues with your veneers, your favorite veneer specialists in Dallas, Texas, are only one call away!

Avoid Damaging Habits

To maintain the condition of your veneers, you should also avoid certain habits. One such habit is smoking, which can cause gum disease, leading to inflammation, bleeding, and gum recession. Smoking can also weaken the bond between your natural tooth and the porcelain veneer, making them more likely to come off and require replacement.

Another habit that can damage your veneers is teeth grinding, which can cause them to break or fall out. We recommend making a conscious effort to check if you’re clenching your jaw throughout the day. If you are, try to reset and relax it in a more natural position. If teeth grinding is a problem for you at night, a custom night guard is the best solution to protect your veneers from unnecessary damage. Botox treatment may also reduce clenching and grinding. Please consult a Veneer Lounge doctor to learn more about this option!

Protect Your Mouth During Contact Sports

Veneer Lounge is at The Star in Frisco, Texas, and our location has allowed us to treat several athletes across the Dallas Metroplex. We understand the physical demands of contact sports, whether you’re a professional athlete or just like to participate in your free time. In fact, just one small blow to your mouth can cause one or several of your veneers to fall out or become damaged!

We strongly advise wearing a mouthguard while participating in contact sports. Plus, we encourage our guests to invest in custom-fitted mouthguards, which are more durable and specifically made to fit your mouth. This makes them more effective and long-lasting compared to boil-and-bite options. Our team also recommends helmets for sports with higher physical demands. By using high-quality protective equipment, you can significantly reduce the risk of injury so you can shine on and off the field!

Your Teeth Are Not a Tool!

Have you ever had trouble opening a package and decided to use your teeth to rip it open? You’re not the only one! However, it’s important to remember that your teeth are not tools — especially if you’re rocking porcelain veneers!

Try to avoid habits like using your teeth to open packages or pop open a bottle. These actions cause unnecessary and unnatural pressure on your teeth, which damages the porcelain and your natural teeth below. We know it’s tempting, but stick to tools like bottle openers and scissors to perform these tasks if you’re planning to invest in porcelain veneers in Dallas, Texas!

See Your Specialist if Issues Arise

Our team at Veneer Lounge in Dallas, Texas, completely understands that accidents happen and are sometimes unavoidable. However, don’t try to resolve any issues associated with your veneers at home. The last thing you want to do is make a small problem worse by mistake! If something is wrong, please seek professional support.

You are always welcome to contact us if you have any concerns about your veneers. Whether you’re a brand-new patient or we haven’t seen you in a decade, our team stands by our work at Veneer Lounge and wants to ensure you love your smile. Click the button below if you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation. We look forward to hearing from you soon!