When you get any kind of dental treatment, you’ll need to make sure you pay extra attention to keeping it clean and protected. Porcelain veneers in Yardley, PA, are versatile and durable, but they can still suffer from damage. Like any cosmetic or restorative treatment, veneers need special care to ensure they stay strong for years to come. Failure to properly maintain your oral hygiene or avoid harmful chewing habits could result in the loss of your veneers. Your dentist can provide you with a full list of aftercare instructions that can help you take better care of your new smile.
Caring for Porcelain Veneers in Yardley, PA
Taking care of veneers is relatively easy compared to some other dental treatments. For the most part, as long as you continue to brush and floss regularly, you should be able to keep them well-maintained. But it’s also crucial to avoid chewing on hard surfaces or eating particularly gummy foods. Visiting your dentist for a routine checkup at least every six months can also help keep your veneers strong and healthy for years to come.
Pre-Treatment Care
Before getting your veneers, your dentist will need to make sure your teeth and gums are healthy. If you have decay or extensive damage, they may recommend additional treatment before getting veneers. Patients will also likely need to successfully complete periodontal therapy if they suffer from gum disease. Decay and damage in your mouth can weaken the teeth and gums that support your veneers. When this happens, it’s possible for your veneers to suffer damage or even fall out.
Before getting veneers, it’s also a good idea to talk to your dentist for teeth whitening treatment. Veneers are color-matched to the rest of your smile, but they are often not affected by whitening. So, you may want to consider professional whitening prior to getting your veneers if you do want to brighten your teeth.
Post-Treatment Care
For the first 24-48 hours after your veneers are placed, try to avoid any hard foods. Veneers are a relatively non-invasive procedure that often doesn’t even require local anesthetic. Because of this, you should not experience any pain, discomfort, swelling, or sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures. If any of these symptoms do develop, call your dentist right away to schedule a follow-up exam.
Continuing Care
To help your veneers last as long as they can, you should make sure you brush and floss your teeth properly at least twice a day. If you’re having trouble keeping up with your oral hygiene, your dentist may be able to help. They can recommend additional cleaning tools and products or even schedule you for an extra cleaning a year to help ensure your oral health remains in good condition.
If you are unhappy with the way your smile looks, porcelain veneers may be able to help. Give us a call today at 267.592.3552 to schedule a consultation and learn more about our cosmetic dentistry options.