Single Implants vs. All-on-4: Which Is Right for Me?
If you’re missing teeth, you may not know the best option to replace them. Even if you want an implant, you have to make a choice. Clear up some of the confusion here!
Beyond Brushing: 4 Professional Secrets for Maintaining Porcelain Veneers
Veneers are the all-purpose fix-it of the cosmetic dentistry world. These thin ceramic shells cover natural teeth to address dental flaws, including chipped or broken, small, pointed, gapped, or discolored teeth.
Here at Smile Design Manhattan in New York City, we regularly use veneers to improve our patients’ smiles. We want those new smiles to last, which means taking good care of them. And that involves more than just brushing.
Here are four professional secrets we’re happy to share to help you maintain your porcelain veneers.
1. Use a nonabrasive toothpaste
Porcelain veneers are stain-resistant, but a whitening toothpaste or a toothpaste with a highly abrasive formula may scratch the polished surface over time.
Instead, brush your teeth with a gentle, nonabrasive, gel-based toothpaste to help preserve that smooth, glossy look. The box or tube that toothpaste comes in may mention that it’s safe for cosmetic dental work.
Use a toothbrush with soft bristles, and brush your teeth in small, circular motions rather than aggressive back-and-forth strokes.
Also, avoid brushing with baking soda or charcoal products — these can scratch the veneer surface too.
2. Get a night guard
If you clench or grind your teeth at night while you sleep, you’re putting extra pressure on your veneers, which can cause problems over time. A custom-fitted night guard helps protect your veneers and natural teeth from chips, cracks, and micro-fractures.
3. Only use your teeth for eating
Along the same lines, porcelain veneers are strong, but they’re not indestructible. That means you should only use your teeth for chewing food — not for opening packages, biting your nails, chomping on ice or hard candy, chewing on pens, etc.
Doing any of these things can cause your veneers to chip, detach, or wear down over time.
4. Schedule regular cleanings
If you have veneers, regular cleanings and exams are still important.
In addition to cleaning your teeth and checking your oral health, we can give your veneers a thorough once-over to look for cracks, chips, or signs of wear. We can also check the bond between your veneers and your teeth, and address any grinding concerns.
Scheduling this exam every six months allows us to catch problems while they’re small and easily treatable, instead of waiting until they become large, expensive issues.
When you’re ready to explore veneers to improve your smile, our team at Smile Design Manhattan is here to guide you. To schedule an appointment, call our Midtown office or book your visit online today.
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