How to Keep Porcelain Crowns, Bridges, and Veneers Looking Their Best

Teeth veneers are lifesavers for people with dental problems. They recreate a natural look while protecting the original teeth from damage. Veneers require gentle care and maintenance so that they can give long service. Cleaning and servicing will extend their life expectancy. Here are guidelines on how to keep porcelains, crowns, bridges, and veneers looking their best.

Keep Them Clean

It is good to practice good oral hygiene even with veneers. The veneers or porcelain crowns may not get decayed but the tooth under it might. Dirty teeth can also lead to gum diseases and bad breath. Use a soft toothbrush to clean the teeth. Floss the veneers and bridges gently to avoid breakage. Always rinse them with mouthwash to remove bacteria that lead to teeth decay.

Watch What You Eat

Avoid foods that can stain your teeth. Foods and drinks such as coffee, soda, wine, and tea can stain your veneers and porcelain crowns eventually. If you love such foods in your diet, clean your teeth soon after partaking to avoid permanent stains. If brushing is not a realistic option, have mouthwash with you to rinse them out.

Be Gentle With Them

Porcelain crowns, bridges, and veneers are breakable. Brush with a soft gentle brush. Do not use your teeth as bottle openers or bite on hard surfaces. Flossing too hard can break or dislodge veneers. Brushing too hard can also lead to receding gums causing veneers to fall off. Follow your dentist’s instructions on cleaning and care.

Do Not Drink and Smoke

Cigarettes and tobacco products are harmful to your health in many ways. They can reduce the life span of your veneers by a great deal. Nicotine found in cigarettes and tobacco turns your veneers yellow and brown. Cigarettes also cause gum disease-causing decay on the original teeth. Excessive alcohol intake corrodes teeth underneath causing veneers to fall off.

Keep Up With Post-Installation Care

Your dentist will give you dates for maintenance and checkup. Visit your dentist at least twice a year to have the implants checked up and cleaned. You can have adjustments and maintenance done at that time.

Use a Mouthguard

Use a mouthguard when engaging in a sports activity. Blunt trauma to the mouth can cause veneers to dislodge. You can even break the teeth underneath or break your jawbone. If you grind your teeth at night, use a nightguard to protect your teeth as you sleep.

Use Teeth-Whitening Toothpaste

When dentists install veneers and porcelain crowns, they match them with your original teeth color. Ask your dentist to recommend a good teeth-whitening toothpaste. It should keep your teeth white and shiny without corroding the bonding agent and the teeth underneath.

Watch Your Health

Sometimes, health issues such as periodontal diseases, anemia, vitamin deficiency, and hormonal imbalance can affect your teeth. They cause receding gums, weak teeth, and decaying teeth. Keep up with your health checkups to ensure that you do not have other conditions affecting your teeth.

To learn more about veneers or any other dental issues, visit the Center for Cosmetic and Family Dentistry in our offices at Panama City Beach, or Destin, Florida. You can also call us at 850-810-0600 or 850-810-0300 to book an appointment.