Do you have porcelain veneers on any part of your smile, or have you ever considered them? They are one of the most versatile cosmetic dental treatments out there. Few other single procedures answer to so many different issues at the same time. In fact, porcelain veneers are so efficient at covering over a multitude of flaws, many people consider them to be a “smile makeover.” To learn more, test yourself on the following quiz.

Questions

Q1. True or false – Porcelain veneers require specialized dental care.

Q2. True or false – Dental checkups are not necessary if you have dental veneers.

Q3. True or false – Chewing on non-food items with your veneers puts you at a much higher risk for damage.

Answers

A1. FALSE – You can mostly practice normal and consistent at-home dental hygiene even if you have porcelain veneers, though you may require a few minor adjustments to your routine. You can continue to brush twice each day and floss every day to clear away food debris from the surfaces and in between teeth. However, make sure to choose a non-abrasive toothpaste so that the porcelain material does not become scratched and dull looking, similar to when the paint on a car isn’t well cared for. If you rinse with mouthwash, avoid rinses which have alcohol as an ingredient as this could weaken the adhesive bond of your veneers to your tooth enamel.

A2. FALSE – Continue to visit your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings even after you have porcelain veneers placed on your teeth. Your cosmetic dentist will use a special non-abrasive polish formulated to safely and efficiently care for veneers.

A3. TRUE – Chewing on pencils, pens, ice cubes, fingernails, or toothpicks are bad habits that you should try to break for the sake of natural veneers or natural teeth. Veneers and natural tooth surfaces are equally susceptible to chipping, cracking, breaking, or become displaced as a result of misuse. Also avoid using your teeth as a tool to tear packages, open bottles, crack nuts, or anything of that nature. Reserve your teeth for chewing normal food mastication, and of course, flashing that gorgeous grin.

Visit your Sheridan Dentist

To learn more about porcelain veneers, or to speak with your Sheridan dentist, schedule a consultation at Grinnell Street Dental by contacting our Sheridan dentist office at (307) 672-7567. We welcome patients from Sheridan, WY and the surrounding communities.