3 Tips To Help You Protect Your Porcelain Veneers

An attractive smile is something that many people feel is important. Porcelain veneers can be used to correct cosmetic issues within a patient's smile. These veneers give patients a straight, white, and healthy looking smile that they can be proud of.

If you are planning to invest a significant amount of money in porcelain veneers to improve the attractiveness of your smile, it's essential that you know how to protect these veneers against damage once your dentist has put them into place.

1. Use the right oral tools.

Porcelain veneers need daily brushing to maintain their appearance. The type of toothbrush and toothpaste that you use each day could have a direct effect on the condition of your porcelain veneers over time.

Always use a soft-bristled toothbrush when you have porcelain veneers. These soft toothbrushes will be able to sweep away food particles and bacteria without damaging your veneers.

You should switch to a non-abrasive toothpaste following the placement of your veneers. Some toothpastes contain whitening ingredients that can damage porcelain veneers.

2. Use a mild mouthwash.

Mouthwashes are often used to help eliminate any bacteria left behind after brushing and flossing. Mouthwash can also be a helpful tool when it comes to freshening one's breath. If you have recently had veneers set by your dentist, you should avoid mouthwashes with alcohol on the ingredient list.

Alcohol can have a negative effect on the health of your veneers. This alcohol can damage the bonding agent your dentist uses to adhere your veneers to your natural teeth. Be sure to check the ingredient list before your gargle with mouthwash after investing in porcelain veneers.

3. Use a straw.

Porcelain veneers are designed to withstand the test of time. Though they have a high level of resistance to staining, porcelain veneers can become discolored with routine exposure to tea, coffee, or wine.

The easiest way to avoid potential stains is to use a straw when drinking stain-causing beverages. You might find it strange to drink your coffee, tea, and wine through a straw, but making this simple change in your daily routine could help extend the life of your porcelain veneers.

Porcelain veneers can be costly. The dramatic changes these veneers can provide make them a worthwhile investment. Preserve your perfect smile by ensuring that you are protecting your porcelain veneers against damage and potential staining once your dentist has set the veneers in place. Contact a dental clinic, like The Smile Architects, for more information.