Porcelain veneers are the not-so-secret beauty standard of Hollywood starlets, but they’re easily obtained by the general public as well. However, unlike many other more inexpensive cosmetic dentistry procedures, veneers are a personal investment–albeit one that often pays for itself over their lifetime by significantly improving the patient’s quality of life. Your Midtown Manhattan Dentist can easily and effectively create a perfect smile with porcelain veneers. But are they permanent? Well, nothing today lasts forever, yet if taken care of properly, your porcelain veneers can potentially last a decade or even much longer without needing to be repaired or replaced. But what does the patient need to be ready to do for their veneers to last as long as possible?
Practice and Perfect Good Oral Hygiene Habits
According to the American Dental Association, it’s important to brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes a shot. Stick with a soft brush or bristles whenever possible and don’t apply too much force to keep mouth injuries and enamel damage to a minimum. Replace your brush or bristles every four months or when they become visibly worn. It’s also important to floss once a day to remove extra food and plaque from between the teeth. Porcelain veneers can only work on strong teeth, so chances are your oral health habits will already be excellent. But they need to remain so after the procedure is completed to ensure they last as long as possible.
Limit Hard and Sticky Foods and Avoid Bad Vices
Porcelain veneers are made with stain-resistant materials, but they’re not completely stain-proof. That means enjoying your daily coffee, having a special treat now and then, and just enjoying life shouldn’t significantly alter the brilliance and luster of your new smile. However, certain things can potentially damage, weaken, or loosen your veneers or the bonding agents. Sugar is acidic and encourages bacteria growth. And hard or sticky foods and candies or goodies containing excessive amounts of sugar can lift the porcelain shells and cause serious irritation, pain, and even decay. Also, avoid chewing on ice, pen caps and pencils, and quit smoking prior to getting veneers if you’re a smoker. While stain-resistant, the nicotine and toxins in cigarettes or vape can leave permanent yellow, gray, or brown stains along the edges of the veneers.
Visit Your Midtown Manhattan Dentist Twice a Year
Any type of dental treatment requires consistent and ongoing checkups. That’s the only way to catch potential issues like repair or replacement needs, potential damage, biocompatibility concerns, or to adjust the appliance to help avoid mouth sores, pain, or irritation. A professional dentist can also ensure the veneers are thoroughly cleaned and polished at that time, provide extra oral health care or dietary suggestions, and even catch other issues like dental caries and gingivitis. Porcelain veneers can easily last 10 to 15 years or longer without any issues, it’s essential to visit your Midtown Manhattan Cosmetic Dentist twice a year to keep them looking and fitting their best. Give us a call to see if porcelain veneers are right for you.