If there’s a cosmetic dental procedure that can do it all, it’s porcelain veneers. Almost any type of smile imperfection can be completely transformed with this one procedure: whether it’s chips and cracks, stains, minor gaps and crowding, or misshapen teeth! In fact, porcelain veneers are the reason that nearly every actor, politician and public figure you see has such a beautiful smile. But, if you’ve recently enhanced your smile with porcelain veneers in Millersville, you might like to know the best way to keep your new smile looking great for as long as possible. Keep reading to find out why porcelain is such a great material to begin with and how you can maintain for many years.
What Makes Porcelain Different?
Veneers are thin “shells” that are permanently adhered to the front of the teeth, giving them a whole new appearance. They can be made from different materials, namely porcelain and composite resin (the same material that’s used for tooth-colored fillings).
The reason that porcelain is used so often is that it offers several key advantages:
- Stain-resistance – Porcelain is incredibly stain-resistant because it has a hard, shiny, non-porous coating. It doesn’t absorb pigments from foods and beverages such as coffee, tea, berries, and red wine, so you don’t have to worry about your morning coffee staining your new dental work the way it can with your natural teeth.
- Strength – Porcelain is very strong and durable. While nothing is quite as strong as your natural teeth, porcelain will continue looking and feeling great much longer than other dental materials will!
- More conservative – Not only do porcelain veneers offer great strength, they also don’t require as much enamel to be removed beforehand, which conserves more of your natural tooth structure.
How Can You Take Great Care of Your Porcelain Veneers?
Although porcelain veneers offer many advantages, they still require basic care and maintenance to last as long as possible. Here are some simple steps you can take to maintain your results:
- Watch your diet and habits – Avoid chewing or biting on anything hard, such as ice or hard candy that can chip or crack your veneers.
- Get regular dental care – These visits with a cosmetic dentist are an opportunity to catch any small problems early and also have your veneers professionally polished.
- Use the right products – Avoid whitening formulas that contain abrasive materials, which will scratch and dull your porcelain. Gel formulas don’t contain these harsh ingredients, which is one way to make sure you’re using a gentle product.
There’s no denying that porcelain veneers deliver outstanding strength, appearance and durability. With these guidelines, you’ll be able to keep your smile looking great for many years!
About the Author
Dr. Charlie Ward is a general, restorative and cosmetic dentist who loves the results he can provide with porcelain veneers. A firm believer in the power of a beautiful smile to enhance his patients’ lives, he gets great professional satisfaction from seeing how cosmetic work adds to a patient’s self-esteem and self-image. If you have any questions, he can be contacted via his website or at (410) 583-7010.