What Are Veneers?
Veneers can be used to fix minor imperfections in teeth, such as teeth that are discolored, slightly crooked, or if there are minor gaps between them. They are perfect for damage that isn’t serious enough for a crown.
There are many advantages to using porcelain for veneers. Even though porcelain veneers are very thin shells that fit over teeth, porcelain is a very durable, strong, and tough material that is also stain-resistant. Your veneers can be crafted to look like your other teeth, so that no one can even tell you have them. And, porcelain veneers are extremely easy to take care of – you simply treat them as you do your other teeth. Brush at least twice a day, floss thoroughly at least once a day, and make sure to visit your dentist twice a year for cleanings and checkups. There are, however, a few things you should avoid to keep your veneers in the best of shape:
- Avoid grinding your teeth. You may grind your teeth mostly at night, and therefore you don’t even realize you do it. But if your dentist tells you that you grind your teeth (or your partner tells you that they can hear it in the middle of the night), you should ask your dentist how to prevent this, to save your veneers and your teeth from damage.
- Avoid foods and beverages that might stain. Porcelain veneers are stain resistant, but only up to a certain point. To protect your veneers and your teeth from stains, avoid drinks like tea, coffee, and red wine, and foods like tomato sauce and blueberries. Smoking and/or chewing tobacco can stain veneers, too.
Porcelain veneers really don’t take any more care than your natural teeth, which is just one of the many benefits of this type of restoration. If you are considering porcelain veneers, contact the office of Samuel Jirik, DDS, Implant, Cosmetic & General Dentistry in Cabot, Arkansas. Call (501) 843-9561 for a consultation today!
