Porcelain veneers are an excellent investment in a dazzling smile. Nonetheless, like with any precious belonging, they should be properly cared for to maintain the shine and durability. Unfortunately, certain habits can jeopardize the lifespan of your porcelain veneers in a flash.
Neglecting to manage these will lead to cracks, discoloration, and an uneven smile. This blog discusses five common habits that will ruin your porcelain veneers and how to avoid them, so your investment can last for years.
Veneer Longevity Explained
Porcelain veneers are wafer-thin shells that are specifically created to bond to the front of your teeth to improve their appearance. They can fix numerous cosmetic problems, such as stains, chips, or misshapen teeth. Veneers are extremely popular because they can offer a natural, long-lasting way to enhance your smile.
Maintaining the durability of your porcelain veneers in Spokane is crucial in helping you keep your smile as fresh and perfect as possible. They can survive 10-15 years with correct maintenance. Ensuring that you do not indulge in habits that cause wear and tear is essential. Keeping their integrity will also spare you costly repairs and maintain that great natural appearance.
The 5 Habits That Will Ruin Your Porcelain Smile
1. Biting Hard Objects
Hard biting on objects like ice, pens, or even your fingernails can lead to cracking or chipping of your veneers. It does not necessarily feel like it will hurt, but the force of biting can damage the thin porcelain material. Avoid these tendencies altogether, or attempt to use dental devices to help break hard objects instead of your teeth.
2. Grinding and Clenching (Bruxism)
Teeth grinding or clenching, often a result of anxiety or stress, can successfully weaken your porcelain veneers over time. This constant pressure leads to premature wear. If you’re a bruxist, a nightguard will protect your veneers while you sleep.
3. Poor Oral Hygiene
Avoiding your regular brushing and flossing of teeth can create a buildup of plaque around your veneers. Plaque, with the passage of time, can weaken the bonding agent between your veneers and teeth and lead to premature wear. Regular professional cleaning by your dentist also keeps your veneers in good shape.
4. Excessive Use of Staining Foods/Drinks
Coffee, tea, red wine, and acidic foods all cause staining. Porcelain veneers in Spokane are resistant to stains, not immune to stains. Daily use of these foods over a course of time will result in discoloration and loss of the natural shine of the veneers. Reduce your intake and rinse your mouth with water after consuming staining foods or beverages to reduce their effect.
5. Not Wearing Protection When Engaging in Sports or Physical Activity
Engaging in sports or any other physical activity without a mouthguard can lead to chipped or cracked veneers. Accidents happen even if you do not engage in contact sports. Protect your porcelain veneers with a custom-fitted mouthguard during physical activities to ensure they remain intact.
How to Protect Your Veneers and Enjoy Long-Term Durability
To maintain your porcelain veneers securely, start by observing good oral hygiene. Brush two times a day with a non-abrasive toothpaste and floss regularly to avoid plaque buildup. Regular dental checkups will keep you ahead of issues. Avoiding harmful habits, using mouthguards during sports activities, and cutting back on foods and drinks that stain will also extend the life of your veneers.
Preserving the beauty and longevity of your porcelain veneers requires some attention to detail. Avoiding hard objects, grinding, poor hygiene, staining foods, and taking proper protective measures during sports will ensure that your veneers stay strong and bright.
Consult with us to tailor a care plan specific to your needs and schedule regular checkups to keep your porcelain veneers in perfect shape.
