How to Keep Your Porcelain Crowns, Veneers, and Bridges Clean and Bright
Porcelain veneers help to recreate the look of your natural teeth while providing strength and protection to the underlying tooth surface.
Veneers require gentle care and maintenance in order to work as they are designed. Due to normal wear and tear, they have an average life expectancy of 10 to 15 years. You can help extend this life expectancy by cleaning your veneers regularly.
Here Are Some Tips On How To Keep Your Porcelain Crowns, Veneers, And Bridges Looking Their Best
1. Keep Them Clean
It is best to continue to practice good oral hygiene with veneers. Veneers or porcelain crowns may not succumb to decay, but the tooth under the veneer can still decay and discolor, affecting the look and hue of the veneer. Dirty teeth can also lead to gum disease and bad breath, even with veneers.
A thorough clean at home can help your veneers look bright and stain-free. Brushing your teeth twice a day will help remove the pellicle layer that forms on the crown and attracts stains. Use a soft toothbrush to thoroughly clean the teeth. You can also add a fluoride rinse and fluoride toothpaste or gel to your cleaning regimen.
Gently floss the veneers and bridges, being careful to avoid breakage. Finish with a mouthwash rinse to remove the bacteria that lead to tooth decay. You can also chew sugarless gum in between meals to help remove any build-up.
You should regularly visit your dentist for a deep cleaning treatment. Your dentist will be able to remove plaque and clean hard-to-reach areas of the mouth. This will prevent permanent stains and give your porcelain crown a smooth polish.
2. Watch What You Eat
Make sure to avoid foods that can stain your teeth. Foods and drinks such as coffee, wine, soda, and tea will eventually stain your veneers and porcelain crowns. If you enjoy having these foods in your diet, clean your teeth soon after partaking in them to avoid permanent stains. If you are unable to brush, have mouthwash with you to rinse them out.
3. Use a Whitening Toothpaste
Your dentist will match your veneers and porcelain crowns with your original teeth color. To prevent them from becoming stained or discolored, brush with a whitening toothpaste. Ask your dentist to recommend a good whitening toothpaste that is non-abrasive. This will keep your veneers white and shiny without corroding the bonding agent and the teeth underneath.
4. Be Gentle
Your porcelain crowns, bridges, and veneers are breakable. Do not bite on hard surfaces or use your teeth as bottle openers. Be sure to use a soft, gentle brush when cleaning. Brushing too hard can cause the gums to recede and make it easier for veneers to fall off. Using too much force when flossing can cause the veneer to dislodge or break as well, so be gentle and floss carefully and thoroughly. Always ask your dentist for advice about the best flossing and brushing techniques.
5. Limit Smoking and Drinking
Cigarettes and tobacco products aren’t just harmful to your overall health, they can also reduce the lifespan and beauty of your porcelain veneers. The nicotine found in cigarettes and chewing tobacco stains your veneers yellow and brown. Cigarettes can also lead to gum disease, which will cause the decay of your teeth. Similarly, excessive alcohol intake will corrode the teeth underneath and break down bonds, making it easier for your veneers to come off.
6. Use a Mouthguard
Use a mouthguard when participating in a sports activity. Blunt trauma to the mouth can dislodge your veneers. You can also break the teeth underneath or even break your jawbone from traumatic injury. If you grind your teeth at night, use a night guard to protect your teeth while you are sleeping.
7. Stay Healthy
Many times, health issues such as periodontal diseases, anemia, vitamin deficiency, and hormonal imbalance can affect your teeth. They can cause receding gums, weak teeth, and tooth decay. Stay on top of your overall health to ensure that you do not have other conditions affecting your teeth.
8. Use a Whitening Kit for Your Natural Teeth
If you notice staining around your crown, or that your natural teeth are becoming stained, then you should consider a whitening touch-up with your dentist. These will only whiten your natural teeth, but they can help bring the color back in line with the color of your crowns by whitening the crevices that are susceptible to staining.
9. Stay Up-to-Date with Post-Installation Care
Your dentist will provide you with dates for maintenance and checkup. Be sure you visit your dentist at least twice a year to have your implants checked up on and cleaned. You can also have adjustments and maintenance done at that time.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
Are you ready to take the next step and enjoy the benefits of personalized porcelain veneers? At Carrie Muzny DDS & Associates, our talented dentists will craft your personalized porcelain veneers to turn your less than perfect smile into the smile of your dreams. Contact us today and let us help you achieve the smile of your dreams.
