What Are Veneers?
Veneers are thin porcelain shells placed on your teeth to conceal cracks, discolouration and other imperfections. Before getting veneers, your teeth need to be lightly etched for adhesion. This means veneers are irreversible, so it’s not a decision to be taken lightly. Some patients may opt for composite bonding instead of veneers if they don’t want a permanent solution. However, veneers have many benefits that make them a superior choice — they are durable, the porcelain looks absolutely stunning, and with proper care, they can last a very long time.
Unlike composite bonding, which is made from a resin material and is prone to chipping and staining, veneers can endure for up to 15 years before repairs are necessary. Veneers also offer a more natural appearance compared to composite bonding, but it’s worth noting that they come at a higher cost. Therefore, taking good care of them is vital to maximising the value of your investment.
How to Care For Your Veneers:
Maintain a thorough dental routine: Brush your teeth twice daily and clean between them to keep your veneers looking beautiful and healthy. This is good practice for all patients, regardless of whether they have veneers or not.
Wear a mouthguard during sports: If you participate in any contact or ball sports like rugby, cricket, hockey, and so on, we advise that you wear a mouthguard. This helps safeguard your veneers from any potential trauma during mouth-related injuries. Additionally, if you experience Bruxism (teeth grinding) while sleeping, wearing a mouthguard at night can prevent wear and tear on your veneers.
Reflect on your lifestyle habits: Your teeth are not tools! If you tend to use your teeth for opening bottles, tearing tape, chewing on ice cubes or biting pencil ends, it’s best to avoid these habits. Such actions can easily chip the porcelain and compromise the integrity of your veneers. We understand that breaking these habits is easier said than done, but it’s worth it.
Avoid staining your teeth: While porcelain is stain-resistant, your teeth underneath are not! It is best to avoid regular consumption of highly staining foods. It’s also wise to quit smoking, as it’s the fastest way to develop discolouration.
Schedule regular appointments with your dentist: Lastly, it’s crucial to schedule regular check-ups with your dentist. They will assess the condition of your veneers and monitor any signs of teeth grinding or damage. As the underlying tooth can be affected, it’s important to ensure that your veneers remain in good shape and continue to protect your tooth surface, preventing further complications.
In all, veneers offer a simple and effective solution for addressing most tooth imperfections. They are also easy to maintain. By following a consistent dental hygiene routine and taking extra precautions to protect your teeth from impact or damage that could harm the porcelain, your veneers will stay in great shape. Adding a bespoke mouthguard into the mix is also an easy measure to ensure the longevity of your veneers for a decade or even longer!
If you want to know more about your veneers or are contemplating treatment, don’t hesitate to contact Park Dental in Nottingham. As the leading centre for cosmetic dentistry in Nottingham, we are dedicated to assisting you in achieving your dream smile. Call us today at 0115 910 1447 or book an appointment online.
We can’t wait to meet you!
