Everyone should have a smile that makes them feel confident and healthy. For those with minor smile imperfections, porcelain veneers in South Tampa are a low-maintenance, effective, and simple way to improve their appearance.
One of the most common questions that our team at Charles Martin DDS gets from patients who have gotten porcelain veneers is how to maintain them and keep them from staining. Read on for our top tips on keeping your veneers in excellent condition.
Can Porcelain Veneers Stain?
The good news is that porcelain is a very stain-resistant material and doesn’t stain the way your natural teeth do. This means that porcelain veneers near you won’t absorb the color of tea, wine, coffee, and other common stain-causing foods and beverages. This means that you don’t have to worry about avoiding your morning coffee for fear of ruining your new smile.
Tips for Maintaining Your Veneers
While porcelain veneers are low-maintenance, they aren’t no-maintenance. Like your natural teeth, they require daily care to stay in perfect condition. Here are some tips for maintaining your veneers:
#1 Maintain Excellent Brushing Habits
Veneers need to be brushed twice a day, just like your natural teeth. Brushing and flossing remove debris and keep your underlying natural teeth healthy. Since veneers only cover the front of your tooth, the back and sides of the tooth are still exposed. Flossing and brushing twice a day is the best way to prevent these exposed areas from decaying.
#2 Avoid Smoking
While tobacco won’t cause your veneers to stain, smoking can lead to significant discoloration of your underlying natural teeth, which can lead to patchy discoloration in your smile. Tobacco can also loosen the cement that keeps your veneers bonded to your teeth, so you may need to visit a dentist near you to get them replaced sooner than a non-smoker would.
#3 Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Just as you need to brush and floss daily, you should also visit your dentist in South Tampa at least once every six months as a part of maintaining a healthy smile. Getting routine cleanings and exams will help prevent you from developing cavities and allow you to catch gum disease in its early stages for effective treatment.
#4 Use a Gentle Toothpaste
Many toothpastes contain baking soda, which is good for natural teeth but is too harsh for veneers. Baking soda can break down the bonding that holds your veneers to your teeth and create scratches on the surface of your veneers that lead to stains. Search for a gentle toothpaste designed for veneers. You can also ask your dentist for recommendations.
#5 Choose a Soft Bristle Toothbrush
While you may think that a hard bristle toothbrush is the best way to clean your gums and teeth, they can be too rough on veneers. Stick to a soft bristle toothbrush instead. These can get your teeth clean without wearing down your veneers.
Interested in Porcelain Veneers?
If you are interested in learning more about porcelain veneers and how they can enhance your smile, please do not hesitate to contact our dedicated team of professionals at Charles Martin DDS. We are happy to provide you with all you need to achieve the smile of your dreams.