When it comes to cosmetic treatments, porcelain veneers are an excellent, multi-pronged solution. You can remove the appearance of multiple imperfections in your smile as well as defend yourself against problems that typically harm natural teeth. Thanks to the biocompatible and beautiful esthetic material porcelain, you’ll walk out of the office with a brighter and more uniform smile than ever before.
The treatment for porcelain veneers is straightforward, but so is the science behind porcelain’s stain-resistant properties. To learn how it works and how to make your veneers last for decades, keep reading this post from your cosmetic dentist in West Cobb.
The Science Behind Porcelain Veneers
When you look at tooth enamel under a microscope, you’ll notice many small holes, cracks, and crevices in your teeth. This is because tooth enamel is very porous in nature, leaving it easily susceptible to stains.
Porcelain, a hard, glassy, material, is used in dentistry because of its durable and translucent attributes. Not only does it look great next to teeth, but it reflects light very similarly to natural teeth. However, unlike natural teeth, it does not stain the same because its surface is not porous. With this incredibly smooth material covering your teeth, you don’t need to worry about stains nearly as much.
Foods That Stain and Damage Teeth
Typically, you’d need to avoid beverages or foods that are notorious for staining to keep your teeth white. This includes:
- Wine
- Coffee
- Dark teas
- Dark-colored fruits (berries)
- Tomato sauce
- Any other foods that have a rich, dark pigmentation
To prevent these imperfections from worsening, you’d also have to avoid consuming highly acidic foods and beverages like citrus fruits and soda. These easily damage tooth enamel, but porcelain veneers in West Cobb are a different story altogether.
How to Care for Your Porcelain Veneers
According to your cosmetic dentist in Marietta, the best way to care for your porcelain veneers is to treat them like you would natural teeth. That means brushing them twice a day with a fluoridated toothpaste for at least two minutes. You’ll also want to floss daily and see your cosmetic dentist in Marietta every six months for cleanings.
Take note of the toothpaste you’re using before applying it to your veneers. Purchase a toothpaste that doesn’t contain abrasive ingredients as this can scratch your veneers, making them susceptible to stains. If you clench or grind your teeth, purchase a nightguard to prevent wearing them down, especially in your sleep. Your dentist will also use a nonabrasive polish to prevent damaging them during your regular cleanings.
With proper care, you can expect veneers from your cosmetic dentist in West Cobb to last a minimum of 10 years. Schedule an appointment with them today to make sure they’re staying in proper shape or receive veneers for the first time!