Porcelain veneers can reshape a smile into a whiter, brighter, and straighter form. They are used to treat gaps, extensive chips and cracks, and stains that have not responded to teeth whitening. Since they are made of porcelain, they imitate the color and luster of real teeth, but are they vulnerable to the things that can harm teeth such as bacteria and sugar? Here’s what you should know about taking proper care of porcelain veneers.
Can Porcelain Veneers Get Cavities?
Since veneers are made of porcelain, they cannot get cavities. However, they are attached to teeth that can still develop tooth decay, which would require the veneer to be removed so the infection can be treated. While porcelain veneers can’t develop tooth decay, they still depend on proper oral hygiene in order to stay healthy, strong, and functional.
How Should I Care for My Veneers?
The good news is that porcelain veneers do not require any special oral hygiene efforts. To keep your veneers looking great and the teeth supporting them healthy and sturdy, stay on top of the following habits:
- Brush your teeth: At least twice a day, preferably once after breakfast and once before bed, give your teeth a thorough brushing using a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste. Use gentle, short, circular strokes to clean your teeth, gums, tongue, palate, and inner cheeks and lips. Each session should last for at least two minutes.
- Floss: Flossing every day is just as important as brushing because it can eliminate plaque and food debris from the tight spaces in your smile where a toothbrush cannot reach. Cut off a length of floss and use a clean section of it to scour the surfaces between every pair of teeth in your mouth. This will also stimulate blood flow to the gums, making it easier for them to heal and fight infection.
- Use antibacterial mouthwash: Dentists recommend rinsing with antibacterial mouthwash after brushing and flossing. This will eliminate more than 99% of the germs that cause oral infections and leave your mouth feeling fresh, clean, and minty.
Taking care of your smile with or without veneers can keep it healthy and beautiful for a lifetime. With proper care, your porcelain veneers can last for up to fifteen years or more.
About the Practice
Exceptional Dentistry & Sedation Center provides exceptional dental services to the community of Gainesville, FL. Led by Drs. Art Mowery, Kim Mowery, Luis Rodriguez, and Grant Gallup, the Ritz Carlton-trained staff aims to exceed the patient’s highest expectations and achieve remarkable results for their oral health. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, emergency, and cosmetic dentistry such as porcelain veneers. For more information on caring for veneers, contact the office online or dial (352) 332-6725.
