Posted: August 16, 2019
Porcelain veneers can transform your smile by addressing common cosmetic dental imperfections involving spacing, damage and wear on the tooth surface, size and proportion concerns, and crowding. With proper care and good habits, porcelain veneers can give you a beautiful, natural-looking smile for a decade or more.
Find out if porcelain veneers are a good option for you by scheduling a free consultation with Dr. John Schmid, an experienced Austin dentist. If you are a good candidate for the treatment, it only takes a few visits to our office to have your porcelain veneers created and placed. From then on, use the following guidelines to keep your new and improved smile looking great for many years.
What are Porcelain Veneers?
A porcelain veneer is an extremely thin, custom-made porcelain shell that is bonded to the front of your tooth. The size, shape, and shade of your veneer are selected to create a balanced and natural-looking smile. There are several things you can do to maximize the life of your porcelain veneers.
Daily Cleaning
Dr. Schmid will provide recommendations for brushing and flossing your veneers. General oral hygiene is important to preserving your enhanced smile for multiple reasons, including:
- To maintain healthy gum tissue and teeth to support your veneers
- To prevent staining
- To remove plaque between your veneers
What to Know about Cleaning your Porcelain Veneers
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid damaging the surface of the veneer.
- Brush after every meal and snack to keep stains at bay. Veneers are stain-resistant, but once they are stained, the discoloration is permanent.
- Floss twice a day to prevent tartar buildup around your porcelain veneers.
- Do not use toothpaste with abrasive ingredients like baking soda.
- Only use mouthwash that does not contain astringent ingredients. Astringents can loosen the bonding that holds your veneer in place.
Avoid These Foods
Dr. Schmid will bond the porcelain veneers to your teeth securely, so you can enjoy quite a bit of functionality along with a great aesthetic. However, it’s important to keep in mind that your porcelain veneers are not indestructible. If you need to use substantial force to bite or chew a particular food, it is best to do so with your natural teeth. Some foods that can be problematic for porcelain veneers include:
- Hard foods like nuts, chips, seeds, and apples
- Sticky foods and candies
- Crunchy or “tough” bread like baguettes
- Tough meats or eating meat off bones
In many cases, avoiding your veneers when chewing or cutting up foods instead of biting into them can allow you to continue you enjoying many of your favorite foods.
Protection Tips
Using your teeth as tools always puts you at risk of damaging your teeth, and this is especially true with porcelain veneers. Using your porcelain veneers to bite into or hold non-food objects could chip or loosen the veneers. Tearing tape, opening packages, opening bottles, and chewing ice are examples of behaviors that could jeopardize your porcelain veneers. Additionally, invest in a custom athletic mouthguard if you play contact sports.
Dental Visits
Dr. Schmid recommends that you come into the office every six months for a professional cleaning and exam. Our hygienists can remove plaque and tartar that your brushing and flossing can’t reach, and Dr. Schmid will check for potential issues with your veneers.
Schedule a Free Porcelain Veneer Consultation in Austin
Dr. Schmid can evaluate whether porcelain veneers are the most effective choice for you or if an alternative cosmetic dentistry procedure is best. Call us at 512-329-5967 to schedule a complimentary consultation. We serve patients in Austin and nearby Texas communities, including Bee Cave and Lakeway.
