Even though dental veneers are quite durable, there are a few things that can cause them to chip, crack, stain, or fall off. However, with proper dental hygiene, these problems can be mitigated, making your veneers last upwards of 10 years or more. To take care of your porcelain veneers, make sure to do the following:
- Brush and floss your teeth twice daily. One of the most common reasons that porcelain veneers fail is because of tooth decay. Cavities underneath the veneers can weaken their bond with the underlying tooth, causing them to fall off. By brushing and flossing every day, you can prevent the decay of your teeth.
- Avoid using your teeth to open bottle caps or packaging. Although porcelain veneers are strong, they are a little more fragile than natural teeth. As a result, chewing on hard surfaces or using them to open a package can cause them to chip or crack.
- Limit hard, sticky, or sugary foods. While the bonding used to place a porcelain veneer is quite strong, it can fail under repeated tugging or pulling from hard foods. In addition, foods and drinks with lots of sugar can contribute to tooth decay or discoloration.
- Visit the dentist every 6 months for a cleaning. Even with good hygiene, we suggest you come in for a cleaning at least twice a year. During the cleaning, we can check for any issues with your veneers and reach spots that are hard to clean with brushing or flossing alone.
By following these simple steps, you will be able to enjoy the results of your porcelain veneers for much longer. Of course, if one of your veneers breaks or falls off, one of our experienced dentists can replace it for you.
Want to Know More About Our Porcelain Veneer Options?
If you want to achieve a beautiful smile and believe you are a good candidate for dental veneers, call Flatrock Family Dentistry today at (864) 756-5576 to setup a consultation. We welcome patients living in Greenville, Greer, Mauldin, Taylors, Simpsonville, and other nearby South Carolina communities.