Caring for Your Porcelain Veneers
Although veneers are made of very strong material, they still need to be properly cared for. This includes being judicious on what can be eaten and dental hygiene – both at home and at the dental office – to maintain their brilliance.
Foods You Can & Can’t Eat
Good news! You can eat almost anything as long as the food does not place undue pressure on the teeth/veneers. However, keep in mind that abrasive foods and toothpastes may wear down the veneer over time, making them more vulnerable to issues.
You should avoid:
- Chewing ice
- Biting your nails
- Using your teeth as a can opener (never a good idea!)
- Chewing hard materials, such as a pen
- Foods that encourage stains, such as coffee and red wine (sorry!). Importantly, most of these stains are external and can be removed by a hygienist with porcelain polishing paste.
By avoiding hard materials, you may prolong the life of your porcelain veneers and prevent structural damage. If you tend to clench your teeth or develop bruxism, let us know immediately; an easily formed mouthguard may be all you need.
Can My Veneers Stain?
No. Unlike regular teeth, as noted earlier, veneers are not porous and cannot stain. However, the surrounding teeth and edges where the tooth meets veneer may discolor over time.
How to avoid staining:
- Try not to smoke
- Avoid coffee, tea, and wine
- Avoid abrasive foods
- Avoid abrasive toothpastes (as you would not use abrasive cleanser on fine china)
If your teeth do stain, a dental hygienist can polish them up to and de-stain them. You can also look into teeth whitening for your natural teeth, which is also offered by Dr. Marsh
How Long Do Porcelain Veneers Last?
Porcelain veneers will last anywhere from 10 to 25 years to a lifetime, depending on the individual and maintenance factors. Composite veneers have the potential to chip and must then be repaired, while porcelain veneers rarely need maintenance once they have been applied to a patient’s teeth.
My Veneer Chipped or Broke, Now What?
Chipped or broken veneers will need to be assessed by Dr. Marsh. It is very important to remove the broken pieces from your mouth. Dr. Marsh can evaluate the breakage while assessing the causative factors and help determine the appropriate treatment options. In rare cases, the resin holding the veneer in place may come loose. If this is the case, Dr. Marsh should be able to quickly re-apply it.