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Common Causes of Damaged Porcelain Veneers—Things to Avoid

Porcelain veneers are a popular way to transform the appearance of your teeth. They are thin shells that fit over existing teeth and are used to correct various cosmetic dental issues, such as chips, gaps, and discoloration. 

While these veneers are designed to be durable and long-lasting, certain activities and habits can harm them and reduce their lifespan. Knowing what to avoid can help keep your veneers looking their best. 

Poor Oral Hygiene

Poor dental hygiene is another issue that could harm your porcelain veneers. You are still responsible for practicing good oral hygiene even if you have porcelain veneers on your teeth. Keep up your twice-day brushing, once-daily flossing, and daily brushing schedule and visit the best dental clinic in Manassas every six months. 

Gum disease and tooth decay can be caused by poor dental hygiene. Treating dental decay on teeth with veneers is far more challenging than on teeth without fronts. Do everything in your power to maintain good oral health because gum disease can also lead to the failure of your veneers.

Abrasive Toothpaste

While stain-resistant, dental veneers are not damage-resistant. The ideal toothpaste for your veneers should not be an abrasive toothpaste like whitening. Instead, use conventional toothpaste that cleans your teeth and helps keep your breath fresh. By doing this, their external paint will be protected.

Intake of Sticky or Stiff Foods

Challenging eating items may result in the veneers on your teeth breaking or cracking, similar to what could occur to your natural teeth. Consuming sticky food may endanger your porcelain veneers. 

The sugar may cause your porcelain veneers to attach to it, and because of their adhesive, they may end up falling off your teeth. 

Too rough or sticky food can harm your teeth and porcelain veneers. Avoiding foods such as nuts, ice, hard snacks, and gummy candy like caramel and jawbreakers.

Tobacco 

Your porcelain veneers could suffer catastrophic damage if you smoke or chew tobacco. Your porcelain veneers were attached to your teeth using composite material, which is not stain-resistant. 

By chewing or smoking tobacco, this composite can become discolored, turning the edges of your teeth a shade of yellow or brown. The chemicals in smoking and chewing tobacco can cause gum disease. 

A space will develop between your veneers and the edge of your teeth due to gum recession brought on by gum disease. It’s possible that, as a result, your surfaces will come off. Avoid smoking while wearing porcelain veneers at all costs.

Sports 

If you play contact sports, protect your porcelain veneers the same way you would your natural teeth. A custom-made mouthguard for your mouth may protect your teeth from being knocked out and your surfaces from breaking if you take a violent fall or get punched in the face.

Grinding or Clenching of the Teeth

Your porcelain veneers may suffer significant harm if you have a habit of bruxism, which is the clenching and grinding of your teeth at night. If you have a history of bruxism, tell your best veneers dentist before having porcelain veneers. 

You might need TMJ therapy or a mouthguard to keep your teeth safe while you sleep. Before considering porcelain veneers if you grind your teeth at work, it’s essential to identify and treat the problem’s cause. Otherwise, needless effort and constant pressure could harm your porcelain veneers.

Conclusion 

Porcelain veneers can be a great way to improve your smile. However, they are not indestructible. Just like natural teeth, knowing what will harm your porcelain veneers and taking steps to prevent damage is important. Habits such as biting your fingernails, eating hard or crunchy foods, or grinding your teeth can all put your veneers at risk. 

Additionally, it is imperative to maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly and seeing your dentist for routine check-ups. Following these tips ensures that your porcelain veneers remain in great shape for years.

Manassas Smiles offers complete dental care services like cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, or gum disease treatment under one roof. Schedule an appointment for veneers today!

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