Everybody deserves to feel good about their teeth and their smile. However, if you have imperfections that affect their appearance, you may not feel as confident about your smile as you would like. Fortunately, there isn’t any need to live with a less than perfect smile thanks to cosmetic dentistry solutions.
There are many different cosmetic dentistry treatments, but porcelain veneers are arguably one of the most popular. These thin, shell-like covers are custom-designed specifically for each tooth that they are to treat, created in the perfect shape, size and color to enhance your smile whilst keeping it looking entirely natural. Veneers can be used to cover a multitude of different issues including:
- Cracks and chips
- Discoloration
- Stains
- Gaps between the teeth
They can also be used to add height and thickness to undersized teeth so that they look more uniform. The process to apply them is very simple and takes place in two visits to your dentist. During the first, the teeth are prepared by filing down some of the natural enamel. In the second, the veneers, which will have been created for your teeth using impressions and images, will be checked and permanently secured to your teeth using adhesive. A quick polish will complete the treatment.
Caring for porcelain veneers
Porcelain veneers may look very fragile, but they are much stronger than they seem, and they can add an extra layer of reinforcement to your teeth. They can also last for a considerable length of time provided that they are properly cared for. Here are our top tips for taking care of porcelain veneers so that your smile stays attractive and strong for as long as possible.
Maintain great oral hygiene
Your porcelain veneers don’t require any special treatment if you already brush and floss your teeth regularly. However, you will need to keep this habit up if you are to keep your veneers in the best condition. Brush your teeth twice each day with a non-abrasive toothpaste, and floss once per day to remove any particles of food caught between your teeth.
Don’t use your teeth as tools
When did you last open a packet of something using your teeth? Many of us are guilty of using our teeth as tools in our day to day life and it is often something that we do without even thinking. Nevertheless, doing so could damage your veneers so it is important to make a concerted effort not to use them for anything other than eating. You should also avoid chomping down on really hard materials such as ice, nails and more.
Use a mouthguard
f you participate in sporting activities where you could come into contact either with a flying object or another person, it is advisable to wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth from damage. You can purchase generic versions or ask your dentist to create a custom mouthguard especially for your teeth. Similarly, if you clench or grind your teeth at night, you will be advised that you absolutely must wear a mouthguard to protect your new veneers, and this habit will almost certainly cause them to become damaged.
Visit your dentist regularly
Your dentist is your best support when it comes to both the health and appearance of your teeth. Regular visits will ensure that your veneers will stay in great condition for as long as possible, as well as giving your dentist the opportunity to check your teeth for any other issues.
To find out more about porcelain veneers, please get in touch with our expert dental team today.