If you want to improve the appearance of your smile, porcelain veneers can be the ideal treatment for you. These shell-like caps secure to the front of your teeth with dental bonding to whiten, reshape, and straighten your teeth.
Once you receive these benefits, you will want to ensure these effects persist for as long as possible. Dr. Michael Mulkey, a dentist in Marietta, GA, offers three tips for taking care of your porcelain veneers for long-lasting cosmetic enhancement.
Pay Attention to Your Bite
It can take some time to get used to the feeling of porcelain veneers over your teeth. Veneers are constructed with the size, color, and shape of your teeth, as well as your smile aesthetic goals, in mind to create a natural and beautiful look.
Your dentist will ensure the veneers are secured properly before you leave their office. However, you should let your dental professional know if your bite seems misaligned or loose so that they can fix any issues related to your veneers promptly.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
The key to long-lasting cosmetic enhancement begins with a healthy foundation in your natural teeth. Taking care of your teeth is done through proper oral hygiene practices.
While veneers are resistant to staining, they can still gather plaque that can spread to your teeth and cause decay, weakening your teeth and therefore your veneers. Removing plaque entails brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing daily. You can also rinse with mouthwash to remove additional bacteria.
Avoid Biting Hard Items
Porcelain veneers are built to withstand the everyday wear and tear that your teeth experience. However, they can be subject to damage if exposed to an abnormal amount of pressure.
For this reason, you should avoid biting down on hard objects, including the end of a pen, fingernails, or ice. If you grind your teeth, you should let your dentist know because this behavior can harm both your teeth and porcelain veneers. They may recommend wearing a mouthguard at night to protect against this added pressure that may occur during sleep.
Porcelain Veneers Available in Marietta, GA
Lost Mountain Dental provides porcelain veneers and other cosmetic dental treatments to patients in Marietta, GA. Dr. Mulkey also specializes in restorative and general dentistry, including sedation, for patients of all ages. To schedule an appointment with us, contact our office online or reach us by phone at 678.212.1280.