Porcelain veneers are the perfect solution to a perfect smile – especially when you don’t want to wait. In just two short visits, you can get beautiful veneers on your front teeth that cover up all types of imperfections, including chips, gaps, unevenness and more. Veneers are wafer thin shells of porcelain that are bonded to the front surfaces of your teeth. They are natural-looking and durable for patient satisfaction, and they can be cared for just like real teeth.
Here’s a slight catch. While veneers are stain-resistant, they are not stain-proof. And since veneers are not actually real teeth, they can’t be whitened like you would your natural teeth. Therefore, one problem that patients face is discoloration across their veneers over time. The good news is that this is entirely preventable with some extra care.
Caring for Your Porcelain Veneers
Veneers should absolutely be brushed and flossed along with your surrounding teeth. While the veneer itself cannot decay, any lingering bacteria, plaque and food debris can contribute to gum disease and cavities on the teeth beneath the veneers. When it comes to removing stains on your veneers, however, it becomes too challenging. The resin coating on veneers doesn’t respond well to whitening, which means you’ll need to avoid the things that cause staining in the first place.
Food and Drinks to Avoid
Here are some of the habits, food and drinks to avoid when wearing porcelain veneers:
- Coffee and Tea
- Dark Berries
- Red Wine
- Tomato Sauce
- Smoking
At Gilreath Dental Associates, we always recommend whitening your smile before you get porcelain veneers so that we can attain the most accurate color match. We value the importance of informing patients about potential staining on their veneers so that they can enjoy a beautiful and bright smile for years to come. Cosmetic dentistry involves an investment, and we will do everything we can to help you protect it! Keep in mind that another way to protect your investment is to visit your dentist at least twice a year for cleanings and checkups. Call our Marietta office today!
Posted on behalf of Dr. Paul Gilreath IV,