Porcelain veneers are a great investment in your smile and your self-esteem to correct any cosmetic issues you might have with your teeth. Veneers can be expensive, so protecting your investment is essential. Luckily, keeping your veneers looking great isn’t that difficult.
Here are six steps you can take to maintain your veneers easily:

1. Beverages like coffee, tea, red wine and even some fruit beverages can stain your teeth – and your veneers too. If you enjoy any beverage that’s dark in pigment, you can prevent staining by drinking through a straw. If a straw isn’t your style, you can still decrease stains by rinsing your mouth after drinking a beverage that could stain your veneers.

2. Never use your teeth as tools. Most of us have probably seen – or at least heard of – a person pry off a bottle cap using their teeth, or maybe use their teeth and jaw to unscrew a cap. Doing so puts a lot of strain and stress on your teeth and any cosmetic or restorative work you’ve had done, including veneers. And that means your veneers are more likely to become cracked, chipped or broken (along with your underlying tooth).

3. Wear protective mouth guards if you play any sports. This is good advice to protect all of your teeth, not just your veneers. Today’s mouth guards are lighter and less bulky than older models; the key is to have a guard that’s custom-fit for your mouth to ensure your teeth are adequately protected.

4. Don’t smoke. Not only is smoking bad for your gums, increasing your risk of developing gum disease (and eventual tooth loss), but it can also cause areas of the veneers to become discolored over time. Kick the habit and your overall health as well.

5. Practice good oral hygiene. Your veneer is made of porcelain, which means it can never decay. But the tooth supporting your veneer can still develop a cavity or an infection in the surrounding gums. Brushing and flossing regularly – and using the right technique – is essential for making sure the tooth underneath your veneer stays healthy.

6. See the dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. Professional teeth cleanings get into areas that are difficult to reach with brushing and flossing alone, plus the materials they use gently remove any plaque build-up to help your veneers look their absolute best. Routine checkups ensure your teeth and gums are healthy as well.

East River Dental has over 30 years as a dental services provider. We offer advanced cosmetic and restorative treatment options like porcelain veneers and dental implants that will give you a smile you’ll be proud to show off. If you’ve been thinking about improving your smile, call East River Dental at 905-895-8031 to schedule a consultation with one of our dental professionals today.