Imagine yourself finally buying the car of your dreams. You’re obviously proud of your purchase, and you can’t wait to show it off. Once you drive it out of the dealership, what do you do? You wash it every weekend, taking care to park it near the back of every parking lot. After all, you’ve made a major investment, one which requires a good deal of care. In this respect, porcelain veneers are a lot like a luxury car. Neither is cheap, and both are beautiful. Dr. Todd Pizzi, whose dental services include porcelain veneers in Shrewsbury, MA, explains how to get more from your cosmetic dental restoration.
Daily Care and Maintenance
One of the best things about porcelain veneers is the fact that your daily oral care regimen will remain mostly the same. You’ll still floss daily and brush at least twice daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Even though porcelain is stain-resistant, it can’t resist plaque buildup. Continue to visit your Worcester dentist at least once every six months for a full exam and professional cleaning. We’ll use a special non-abrasive toothpaste to protect your veneers.
Banish Your Bad Dental Habits
Many of the bad habits that threaten your natural teeth are also to be avoided after receiving your new veneers. Although your dentist uses only the most durable materials to create your veneers, they are by no means invincible. We see patients whose habits have cracked or chipped their own teeth to the point where cosmetic dentistry is needed; doing anything that might damage their dental work seems a bit counterproductive, doesn’t it? The most common, destructive habits include:
- Chewing fingernails: Your nails may seem pliable, but they can still inflict damage in the long run. Paint-on bittering agent seems to work well for many habitual nail biters.
- Crunching ice cubes: Who knew water could be so damaging? The constant pressure inflicted on teeth by chewing ice wears down the tooth enamel, making your teeth more susceptible to sensitivity and breaks.
- Using teeth as tools: Teeth are for chewing, plain and simple. What are they NOT for? Opening bags and bottles or gripping non-food objects.
Need more information about porcelain veneers in Shrewsbury, MA? To learn more about cosmetic dentistry, or to schedule an appointment with one of our doctors, contact our Shrewsbury dentist office at (508) 842-8838. We welcome residents of Shrewsbury, Hopkinton, Boylston, and North and South Grafton.
