A person’s smile can say a lot about their personality. People need to look after their teeth, their porcelain veneers and their smile. Before veneers are fitted, the dentist examines the patient’s dental health. Maintaining good dental health is recommended both before and after they are placed. Porcelain veneers should therefore be looked after.
Why veneers?
Veneers are tiny, tooth-coloured shells bonded to the front of the teeth. They are made either of composite materials or of porcelain and are produced individually so that they fit precisely. They are one of the best solutions for chipped, discoloured, crooked or gapped teeth. Dental bonding is weaker than veneers, which are stronger and less prone to breaking. Their natural appearance is their main selling point.
Care instructions
Veneers do not require a great deal of care. People can look after them properly with small measures. Below are some recommendations from dentists.
Always keep them clean
Caring for veneers should be the same as caring for natural teeth. Brushing twice a day and using floss keeps your dental health in the best possible shape. Poor care can lead to gum disease. The edges of the shells come into contact with the gum, which raises the possibility of them coming loose or chipping.
Use a quality toothpaste
Abrasive substances are used in making various kinds of toothpaste, and together with veneers they can be unhelpful. Before buying, check that the paste contains no substances such as bicarbonate of soda or hydrogen peroxide. These chemicals can wear down the surface of the veneer or affect its colour and appearance because of their roughness. A gel-based toothpaste is advisable, since it contains no abrasive components. Whitening paste should also not be bought by people with porcelain veneers, as it could attack them.
Watch out for grinding
In a small number of people who cannot control it, bruxism causes problems. It is possible to grind your teeth in your sleep. If this happens, go to the dentist straight away so that it can be put right. Wearing a mouthguard while sleeping is advisable to preserve both natural teeth and porcelain veneers. Veneers are always damaged by grinding, so the problem must be handled carefully.
Do not bite on hard objects
We use our teeth for chewing and eating. Other people typically use them as a tool, for instance to open bottles. That damages both the teeth and the veneers. Biting on hard objects such as metal caps or glass bottles can chip the porcelain. Many people tend to chew on ice, pens, pencils and other trivial objects. It would be an advantage to stop these habits.
Avoid drinking a lot of alcohol
If you drink a lot of alcohol, the veneers and the bonding composite become brittle. The veneer itself does not become brittle, but the bonding line becomes more susceptible to staining, damage and degeneration. Alcohol is not only in alcoholic drinks, however: it is also in various brands of toothpaste and mouthwash. It is therefore important to check the list of ingredients before using a particular product, since these can be harmful in a similar way.
Choose the right toothbrush
The quality and durability of your brush determines how long your veneers and teeth stay healthy. Only if you clean them with a good brush will they remain so. Prefer a soft brush to a firm one, since the latter can damage the surface of the shells. Always use a brush with gentle bristles, experts say.
Wear a mouthguard
A mouthguard is necessary for athletes who take part in sports such as boxing, wrestling, taekwondo, mixed martial arts and others. Injuries sustained while playing can damage the veneers. Caring for porcelain veneers is therefore crucial. The guard helps protect them by reducing the possibility of damage to the natural teeth.
The conclusion
It should be emphasised that veneers do not last for ever. At some point they have to be replaced. If you need a new veneer or another treatment, the dentist can help by letting you know. The appearance and quality of a smile are improved by the shells, which are very effective. Visit Zahnchirurgie Köln to learn more.
