There are many desirable physical attributes and healthy-looking and attractive teeth are certainly amongst the most sought-after features of the modern-day. Whilst we may try not to judge others by appearance, research has shown that an unattractive smile may leave us having reservations about someone. Meanwhile, the way that we feel about our smile ourselves can also impact our day to day lives. If we feel confident in the way that our teeth look, we are more likely to have the confidence to interact with others, push ourselves in our career and take up opportunities when they are presented to us.


Fortunately, it doesn’t matter too much what condition our natural teeth are in as there are functional and cosmetic solutions that can transform our smiles. One of the most popular
cosmetic dental treatments available are known as porcelain veneers.
 

About porcelain veneers

Porcelain veneers are thin custom-designed shells that fit over the outside of your teeth. They can also be stained in a color that either matches the rest of your teeth or brightens your overall smile. You can have a single veneer or an entire set to cover all of your teeth depending on your individual requirements.  


Porcelain veneers can be used to address a range of smile imperfections including:

-         chips, cracks and other superficial damage

-         stains and discoloration

-         teeth that are worn down or set back from the rest

-         teeth that are misaligned/gapped


They may look like they would break easily but porcelain veneers rarely crack and unlike a similar solution called dental bonding, they are largely resistant to staining which will help you to retain your new and improved smile for longer. However, this doesn’t mean that you don’t have to think about looking after your porcelain veneers. Caring for them is important if you want to keep them in good condition for as long as possible. 
 

Keep your veneers clean

Unsurprisingly, one of the easiest and most obvious ways to care for your porcelain veneers is to keep them clean. The good news is that they can be brushed just like natural teeth. Select a soft-bristled brush so that they don’t sustain any damage, and brush twice each day for at least two minutes just as you would your regular teeth anyway. Flossing is also important to remove any plaque from between your teeth where your toothbrush bristles can’t reach.  Proper cleaning will prevent decay and gum disease, whilst also keeping your veneers looking great.
 

Select the right toothpaste

Kinds of toothpaste that contain abrasives, hydrogen peroxide and sodium bicarbonate can cause damage to your veneers, meaning that they could look less attractive over time. If you aren’t sure which toothpaste to use, ask your dentist to make a recommendation.

 

Be careful how you use your teeth

When was the last time you ripped open a packet with your teeth? Although they may be sharp, our teeth aren’t designed to be used as tools and doing so could cause them to become damaged. If you have veneers, these could become chipped too, causing them to look unpleasant. Take care of your teeth and your veneers by being careful about how you use your teeth.

 

Pay attention to your diet

Although largely stain-resistant, this doesn’t make your veneers completely impervious to staining so you should try and avoid food and drink containing tannins as much as possible. You should also pay attention to how much sugar is in your diet. A diet that contains lots of sugar and acid, such as through sweet treats and soft drinks or fruit juice, will put you at greater risk of developing tooth decay, which could lead to damage to your veneers.

Attend your dental check-ups

Visiting your dentist regularly is the best way to maintain your oral health and the condition of any restorations and cosmetic treatments you have, including porcelain veneers. Be sure to attend all of your scheduled check-ups.


If you would like to learn more about how to care for porcelain veneers, please speak to our expert team by calling our offices today.