Custom Porcelain Veneers from Our Oakdale Dentist
Porcelain veneers are a transformative cosmetic dental treatment, offering a flawless, natural-looking smile that boosts confidence. However, maintaining their brilliance requires proper care and attention. Whether you’ve recently invested in veneers or are considering them, we’re here to help.
Get in touch with our cosmetic dentist near you today by calling our dental office in Oakdale at 412-788-6300.
Why You Should Take Proper Care of Your Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are an investment in your smile—both financially and emotionally. Proper care ensures they remain aesthetically pleasing and functional while protecting the underlying natural tooth structure. Neglecting care can result in chipped, stained, or loose veneers that require expensive replacements.
By taking the time to care for your custom veneers properly, you can:
- Extend the lifespan of your veneers beyond the average 10 to 15 years.
- Maintain their light-reflecting properties and natural enamel-like shine.
- Keep your veneers looking clean, bright, and stain resistant.
- Prevent oral health issues like tooth decay and gum disease.
- Avoid chewing problems and protect your natural teeth and the gum line.
Daily Care Tips for Porcelain Veneers
Brush Twice a Day with a Non-Abrasive Toothpaste
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth and veneers. Abrasive products, especially whitening pastes, can scratch the veneer surface, making them appear dull and more prone to stains. Brush gently to remove plaque, food particles, and prevent gum inflammation that can cause receding gums.
Dentist Tip: Look for toothpaste labeled “nonabrasive” or designed for cosmetic treatments.
Floss Regularly to Protect Your Gums
Maintaining good oral hygiene includes flossing once daily. Flossing keeps your gum line healthy and prevents gum disease from affecting the stability of your veneers. Slide the floss gently between teeth to remove food debris without tugging near the veneer edges.
Rinse with an Alcohol-Free Mouthwash
Alcohol can weaken the bonding material used to secure porcelain veneers. Instead, rinse with an alcohol-free mouthwash that supports a healthy mouth and freshens your breath without drying it out. Look for ingredients that help remove plaque without harming veneers.
Stay Hydrated to Help Rinse Away Stains
Drinking water throughout the day helps flush out food debris and staining agents like red wine, tea, and coffee. Water also boosts natural saliva production, which protects both your veneers and your natural teeth from acid erosion and decay.
Wear a Mouthguard If You Grind Your Teeth
Bruxism, or teeth grinding, can lead to cracked or chipped veneers. If you grind at night or clench your jaw during stress, a custom-fitted nightguard can protect your investment. Ask Dr. TJ Ameredes about getting a comfortable mouthguard designed just for you.
To begin your veneer journey, or to protect your current investment, call our Oakdale dental office today at 412-788-6300.
Foods to Avoid
To ensure your veneers stay in tip-top shape:
- Hard Foods: Biting into hard objects like ice, hard candy, or crunchy foods can crack the thin shells of porcelain.
- Sticky Foods: Caramel, toffee, and other chewy sweets may loosen veneers or damage bonding material.
- Highly Pigmented Foods and Drinks: Red wine, coffee, tea, and dark berries can discolor natural teeth and slightly darken the edges of veneers over time.
- Acidic Foods: Citrus fruits and sodas may weaken bonding agents and wear down both veneers and natural tooth enamel.
Habits to Avoid
- Don’t Use Your Teeth as Tools: Avoid opening packages, biting nails, or chewing on pens. These habits can fracture both porcelain veneers and your natural teeth.
- Quit Smoking: Smoking stains natural teeth and may dull the brightness of your veneers over time. It also increases your risk of gum disease, which compromises veneer stability and your oral health overall.
- Avoid Excessive Alcohol Consumption: High alcohol intake can damage the bonding material used in permanent veneers. If you drink, rinse with water afterward and maintain good oral hygiene.
Professional Maintenance for Long-Lasting Veneers
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Schedule regular checkups at Advanced Dentistry in Oakdale. Dr. TJ Ameredes will polish your veneers using non-abrasive techniques and inspect them for signs of wear or gum issues. These visits help ensure your veneers stay flawless and your mouth stays healthy.
Get a Professional Cleaning
A professional cleaning removes plaque and tartar that brushing and flossing can’t eliminate. Your hygienist will use veneer-safe tools and techniques to clean the front surface and edges without damaging the custom made shells.
Address Small Issues Promptly
If a veneer chips, cracks, or feels loose, contact our office right away. Small repairs are often quick and inexpensive if caught early, but ignoring them can lead to veneer failure or more invasive cosmetic treatments later on.
Ask for Personalized Recommendations
Our team will recommend nonabrasive toothpaste, safe teeth whitening products (for natural teeth), and other tips specific to your bite, veneer material, and cosmetic treatment. Whether you have composite veneers, porcelain veneers, or temporary veneers, we’ll help you maintain your perfect smile.
Dr. Ameredes Talks About A Fast, Easy Fix for Crooked & Stained Teeth
Our Patients tell the story best
Dental Implants Solved my TMJ and Veneers Gave Me a Beautiful Smile
Tina - Porcelain Veneers
People Compliment Me on My Smile After Receiving Crowns and Veneers
Nancy - Porcelain Veneers, Dental Crowns & Bridges
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, as long as you use a soft-bristled brush head and avoid high-pressure brushing. Electric toothbrushes can improve oral hygiene without damaging the veneer surface. Always consult your dentist for brush and toothpaste recommendations.
If your veneers feel rough, they may need polishing or minor adjustment. Roughness can also indicate early chipping. Visit your dentist to assess the surface and smooth it out safely.
No, veneers cannot be whitened with traditional teeth whitening products. If you want a brighter smile, consider whitening your natural teeth before placing veneers or discussing replacement options with your cosmetic dentist.
Perfect Your Smile at Our Oakdale Dental Office Near You
At Advanced Dentistry, we believe caring for porcelain veneers is just as important as getting them placed correctly. With proper care, regular checkups, and a little guidance, your veneers can deliver a beautiful smile that lasts for years.
If you’re ready to protect your veneers or to learn more about getting custom veneers in Oakdale, PA—call our Oakdale cosmetic dentists today at 412-788-6300 and schedule your consultation with Dr. TJ Ameredes.
