Campbell, Los Gatos, San Jose, and Saratoga, Ca

Porcelain veneers are a common cosmetic dentistry option to providing patients with a beautiful smile. By hiding imperfections such as crooked teeth, or teeth that are severely discolored, chipped, or have gaps, veneers can be a long lasting solution to getting that Hollywood smile you deserve. However, like most cosmetic dental options, veneers are not cheap, which is why patients are looking for ways to preserve their investment for years to come.

Thankfully, porcelain veneers are designed to last for the long haul, without the need to avoid certain foods or take special steps when caring for your oral health. By practicing good oral hygiene, mixed with some common sense, your porcelain veneers can last for years. Here are some tips you should also consider when caring for your veneers.

Avoid chewing on hard, non-edible items

Chewing on pens, pencils, or using your teeth to tear open packages can damage your veneers, just as much as your natural teeth. Although cracking or chipping porcelain veneers is rare, it certainly can happen with the right amount of force. You should also avoid chewing on ice or hard candies, or consume those in moderation, as chewing on them can ruin your veneers or natural teeth.

Practice good oral hygiene

Just because your teeth are covered with veneers does not mean you can skip brushing and flossing them. You should always practice good oral hygiene of brushing twice a day and flossing daily, whether you have veneers or not. Also, don’t skip your routine dental visits, which gives the dentist an opportunity to assess your veneers, tackling any issues when they arise instead of waiting until it is a bigger problem.

Enjoy food

Other than ice and hard candies, you can pretty much enjoy all of your favorite foods and beverages! Since veneers do not stain, you can consume wine and coffee without fear of discoloration. The opposite is true for dental bonding, a less expensive option yielding similar results as veneers.

Contact the office of Dr. Lippi at (408) 354-5535 to schedule a consultation or a tour of our office.

Paul Lippi, DDS, is proud to serve the oral health needs of patients living and working in Los Gatos, California, and the surrounding areas.