Cosmetic dentistry could help improve more than just your smile, and treatment could last upwards of fifteen years. However, without the proper care and maintenance, you may need to replace treatment much sooner. Caring for porcelain veneers in Washington, DC, requires proper oral hygiene and chewing habits to ensure they last a long time. While veneers are durable and more stain-resistant than your natural teeth, they can still suffer damage. Following the proper aftercare tips for your veneers could help extend their lifetime.
How to Care for Porcelain Veneers in Washington, DC
Taking care of your veneers isn’t all that different from caring for your natural teeth. You still need to brush and floss properly and avoid certain chewing habits. However, veneers do need a little more attention to detail when caring for and maintaining them. The first 24-48 hours are the most crucial to ensure your veneers are set properly. But you should continue to treat them carefully at all times.
Brushing and Flossing
While veneers aren’t as susceptible to plaque as tooth enamel, you still need to keep your natural teeth clean and healthy. Brushing with a soft-bristle brush is often the best way to help keep your veneers free of plaque and tartar buildup. It’s also crucial that you floss between your veneers to protect your gums. When you have veneers, you should be able to floss as you normally would. If you struggle to get the floss between your teeth or if the floss catches on your veneers, make an appointment with your dentist. They may need to make some minor adjustments to ensure you can properly care for your oral hygiene.
Eating and Drinking
With veneers, most patients can continue to enjoy a majority of the foods and drinks they like. It is best, however, to avoid particularly hard or chewy foods. Hard foods, when chewed improperly, could still damage your veneers. And gummy foods could cause your veneers to loosen or fall out, especially in the first few days after treatment. To help your veneers stay strong and protective, avoid chewing on hard surfaces, such as the end of a pen.
Porcelain is less resistant to staining caused by dark liquids than natural teeth, but they aren’t impervious. If possible, avoid drinking staining liquids such as coffee, tea, or soda. If you do drink these, gently rinse your mouth with warm water afterward to help clear away any leftover particles. It’s important that you pay attention to what you drank before deciding to brush your teeth. Drinks with acidity in them, especially sodas, can weaken the enamel of your natural teeth. Brushing too soon after drinking them could damage the rest of your teeth.
Porcelain veneers can help treat a wide range of dental problems. But without the proper care and maintenance, they may not be as effective or last as long as possible. Call our office today at 202-315-2188 to schedule a consultation and learn more about how you can protect your veneers.