Best Practices on How to Care for Your Dental Veneers in Frisco, TX

When you invest in your smile, it’s only natural to have questions about how you can preserve and protect it for as long as possible. Among the most popular options for cosmetically enhancing a smile are porcelain veneers. To ensure the durability and longevity of your dental veneers, it is important to follow proper care and maintenance guidelines. Here, you’ll find helpful care tips for porcelain veneers from Dr. Ernest De Paoli and the expert team at Advanced Smiles in Frisco, TX.

What are dental veneers?

Dental veneers, most often made of porcelain, are thin, shell-like restorations that fit over the forward-facing surface of the tooth to conceal imperfections and create a more uniform, attractive smile. Veneers are considered cosmetic in nature and are not meant to address structural issues in the way that restorative dentistry does.

Who needs dental veneers?

Dental veneers are an excellent option for patients with cosmetic concerns who have good dental and oral health otherwise. Some of the most popular dental flaws that can be addressed or corrected with porcelain veneers include:

• Chipped tooth
• Yellow teeth
• Stained teeth
• Tooth discoloration
• Uneven tooth length
• Small teeth
• Short teeth

How long do dental veneers last?

With proper care, dental veneers can last for many years, with many patients enjoying their veneers for up to 15 years or longer before repair or replacement may be needed. However, the lifespan of dental veneers can vary based on individual patient factors such as oral hygiene, lifestyle, diet and eating habits, and others. Below are some of the best practices for keeping veneers strong and beautiful for as long as possible:

• Practice good oral and dental hygiene habits
• Brush, floss, and rinse twice daily
• Visit your dentist for regular exams and in-office cleanings
• Avoid hard, sticky, and crunchy foods
• Avoid staining foods and beverages, like red wine and tea
• Do not use your teeth to open packages, etc.
• Do not bite your nails
• Do not smoke
• Wear a nightguard while sleeping
• Wear a mouthguard while playing sports

What happens if my veneer cracks?

If your dental veneers become chipped, cracked, or damaged in any way — including if a veneer falls off — scheduling an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible may offer the opportunity to repair or re-attach your veneer rather than having to replace it altogether. During your appointment, Dr. De Paoli will carefully assess the damaged veneer and determine whether porcelain veneer repair may be appropriate and possible or whether a replacement veneer may be the most suitable option.

Keep your smile looking its best with porcelain veneers in Frisco, TX

Do you have cracks, stains, or other cosmetic imperfections that make you self-conscious about your smile? Or, have you always wished for a larger, more attractive tooth shape? If so, you may be a candidate for porcelain dental veneers. Start your journey toward the smile of your dreams with dental veneers by calling Advanced Smiles to schedule your private consultation with top Frisco, TX dentist Dr. Ernest De Paoli today. And with the dental veneer care tips you’ve learned here, you can set yourself up for a stunning new smile for years.