You have taken a big step toward improving the appearance of your smile and boosting your self-confidence by deciding to get porcelain veneers. Cosmetic dentist in Los Angeles, CA, Dr. Don Mungcal, shares these tips to help you enjoy your new smile for many years.
What to do
- Practice good home oral hygiene. In Dr. Mungcal’s experienced hands, veneers are very dependable. However, national statistics show that about six percent of veneer failures are related to tooth decay, and 13 percent to gum disease. Brush at least two times a day with non-abrasive, fluoride toothpaste and a soft toothbrush. Give extra attention to the margin, where veneers meet the gum line. Floss gently but thoroughly before bedtime.
- Wear a mouth guard if you participate in contact sports. A night guard will shield your teeth and veneers from excessive clenching or grinding during sleep. If you are a severe bruxer, Dr. Mungcal may suggest alternatives to porcelain veneers.
What to avoid
- Aggressive brushing. It can cause gum recession.
- Whitening toothpaste. It is abrasive and will scratch porcelain.
- Excessive force. Keep fingernails, pens, ice, and other hard objects out of your mouth. Avoid biting directly into very hard foods, such as raw carrots.
- Temperature extremes. It is a good ideal to drink icy beverages with a straw, and let hot drinks cool a little to spare your veneers the stress of rapid expansion and contraction.
- Staining beverages. Porcelain resists stains, but the cement that bonds your veneers in place may pick up pigments from coffee, tea, red wine, or cola.
- Tobacco. Smoking and smokeless tobacco stain teeth and veneer cement and contributes to gum disease and oral cancers.
The team at Downtown Dental in Los Angeles, CA is confident you will be pleased with your new smile. We’ll do all we can to help you keep it brilliant and healthy. Call us at 213-863-9464 for more information on porcelain veneers.
