4 Essential Tips For Maintaining Your Porcelain Veneers In Hillsboro

Given the beautiful smiles you see everywhere these days, it can be easy to feel like everyone (except you) was born that way. But the truth is that most people have had a little help from a cosmetic dentist! One of the most popular procedures people request is porcelain veneers because they deliver natural-looking, gorgeous results. And, since porcelain is such a strong, durable material, your new smile can last 10-20 years – with the right maintenance. Fortunately, it’s easier than you might think. Keep reading for 4 simple things you can do to protect your porcelain veneers in Hillsboro and help you maintain your new smile for as long as possible.

1. Maintain Good Oral Hygiene

Good oral hygiene habits at home are crucial and will ensure the success of your veneers for many years to come. Although a porcelain veneer itself can’t get a cavity, the natural tooth structure underneath it still can.

To prevent problems, it’s important to keep everything clean. So don’t be afraid to brush and floss thoroughly but gently, just as you normally would. Remember, the real risk to your new smile isn’t brushing or flossing too hard, but not brushing and flossing well enough.

It’s also important to use a non-abrasive toothpaste to avoid scratching or dulling your veneers. Many whitening formulas are fairly abrasive to help remove stains, so it’s best to avoid them.

2. Get a Nightguard if Necessary

If you clench or grind, please let your dentist know. The forces exerted on both your teeth and dental restorations (including veneers) can cause them to chip or fracture.

To prevent this, a dentist can make a nightguard to minimize the stress on your teeth while you sleep.

Also, avoid chewing or biting on anything hard such as ice, pens or hard candy that can put too much stress on your veneers and possibly chip them.

3. Schedule a Follow-Up Visit About a Week After Your Procedure

About one week after you’ve gotten your porcelain veneers, you’ll be asked to return to the office for a treatment evaluation. This visit is extremely important for a few different reasons:

• It’s a chance for your dentist to evaluate the overall placement of your veneers and make sure you’ve been pleased with their feel and function.
• It’s also important for looking at the gum tissue around your veneers and making sure it’s responded well and is staying healthy.
• You’ll be able to ask any questions you might have regarding your new smile.

4. Get Regular Checkups

Regular checkups are also important so that your veneers and overall oral health can be monitored. If there are any small problems, they can be caught (and treated) as early as possible. A bi-annual professional cleaning is also great for making sure your teeth and gums stay healthy and look their best.

Porcelain veneers are a wonderful way to transform your smile and increase your self-confidence. With these 4 simple guidelines, you can make sure they look and feel great for many years!

About the Author

Dr. Malinda B. Kearbey is a general, restorative and cosmetic dentist in Hillsboro and a graduate of the Loma Linda University School of Dentistry. She loves the beautiful, long-lasting results she can provide with porcelain veneers and gets a lot of satisfaction from seeing how cosmetic work enhances her patients’ self-image. If you’d like to know more about porcelain veneers or have any questions, she can be reached via her website.