Veneers Maintenance and Care

Veneers are dental improvements that dentists often recommend to their patients when they have problems with their teeth. Usually, the problems that may require the use of these are those that have to do with aesthetics but there are also reasons related to function. There are two kinds, namely the porcelain and the composite. Many people prefer the former to the latter due to the fact that it appears most like a real tooth. The translucency of the porcelain is the key factor to this. Real teeth are translucent to a certain degree and this is something that composite bonding may have some difficulty copying.

This dental revolution is attached to the tooth in order to cover up staining, crookedness, misalignment and damage. They are actually thin shells which are attached to each tooth that need them. Porcelain veneers are quite durable once they are bonded. Composite is also sturdy but the fact that they appear artificial when scrutinized make them a big turn off.

Maintenance and Care

Those that are made from porcelain are resistant to staining and can last a couple of decades or more. The reality of it is that with proper care and maintenance, they can last as long as the real set of teeth. While the porcelain resists stains, the bonding that is used to adhere it can stain. This is why it is important to visit a dental hygienist or a dentist regularly to maintain them. Some dentists do not recommend frequent cleaning as this can actually contribute to the wear of the veneers and the bonding used on them. Brushing with a highly abrasive toothpaste should be limited since this can corrode the bonding which binds the covering to the actual tooth. This weakens the adhesive making it easier for the covering to break free after chewing or contact with hard, rough food. It is best to ask the dentists who installed them for a maintenance recommendation in order to have peace of mind.

Dentists recommend treating these with care; much like the way that a person treats his or her normal teeth. It is not advisable to use teeth with veneers to crack open tough nuts or to bite down on hard objects. Although our teeth are strong and hardy, the artificial covering can actually give way and crack. Hard bangs or hits might also dislodged them or damage them to a certain extent. Contact sports necessitate the use of a mouthpiece to protect the teeth. Bruxism, the uncontrollable grinding of teeth by a person while he or she is asleep, can contribute to the early wear and tear of the porcelain covering. Some cosmetic dentists may recommend the use of a night guard if the person is prone to bruxism.

These are just a few of the advice and tips that dentists might recommend for patients who have veneers. It is important to take note of the oral health care provider’s recommendations in order for the coverings to last longer and to have less issues with them.