Veneers - Aftercare

Post-Operative Care For Porcelain Veneers

Sensitivity, especially to cold, is common for a time following treatment.

For the first few days avoid extremely hot or cold food beverages. If your gums were recontoured during treatment they may be tender after the anesthesia wears off. Rinsing with warm salt water will help. Pain relief may be taken to increase your level of comfort.

After the cementation of your porcelain veneers, it may take a few days to get used to the new veneers. Your bite and the way your teeth come together may feel different especially if we changed the length, shape and/or thickness of your teeth. If your bite feels imbalanced, please be sure to call us for an appointment to make an adjustment.

Post-Operative Care For Composite Veneers

To ensure maximum beauty and longevity, a few points should be mentioned:

1. Brush with a soft toothbrush at least two times a day. Floss at least once a day, preferably before bedtime.
2. Although it is possible for direct composite resin materials to pick up surface stains from foods, it is usually less than that seen on natural teeth. As with natural teeth, staining will be less if you avoid or reduce exposure to tobacco, coffee, tea, soy sauce, curry, colas, grape juice, blueberries, or red wine. Brush and floss normally. Do not use baking soda or any abrasive toothpaste.NOTE: Composite resin restorations or veneers may need polishing at appointments with your hygienist. If you see a hygienist other than ours, you have been given special instructions to give the hygienist. You may need to remind her of where your restorations/veneers are and that she should follow the special instructions regarding maintenance.
3. Do not rinse routinely with mouthwashes that contain alcohol. Alcohol can soften bonded composite resin. If mouthwash is desired, select a non-alcohol-containing mouthwash.
4. Sodium fluoride is the only home fluoride that should be used. Stannous fluoride or acidulated phosphate fluoride are not recommended for composite resin bonding or porcelain. Neutrafluor (weekly or daily) is a sodium fluoride rinse and can be recommended for home use.
5. Habits such as opening packages with your teeth, biting thread, chewing ice, nail biting, or pipe smoking should be avoided. Avoid direct biting into ribs, bones, hard candy, nuts, or hard bread and rolls. This puts stress on the material and could result in a fracture. Be aware that certain foods such as spare ribs, corn on the cob, carrots, and apples can also put added stress on bonded teeth. Eat with care in order to avoid chipping. Most kinds of sandwiches are not a problem.
6. If a chip or a fracture does occur, the veneer can usually be renewed using the same material. It is a short appointment and the fee is similar to that of a restoration for a front tooth.
7. How long bonding lasts depends on many things. It’s a lot like getting a new set of tires. How long they last depends on the quality of the tire, how well it was made, the type of road surfaces traveled, the way you drive, and how many miles you drive in a year. In the same manner, longevity of your veneers depends on your habits and how much stress is placed on the front teeth. With prudence and proper care, current composite materials last a long time.
8. Since your cosmetic bonding is accomplished in a single office visit, your teeth will feel different to your lips and tongue when you first close your mouth. This is normal and to be expected when changes have been made to the shape and size of the teeth. Sometimes your speech may change or be affected in the beginning until your tongue adapts to the changes. Even though the changes are slight, (measurable only in millimeters), your mouth is extremely sensitive and will exaggerate those feelings at first. Usually after a couple of days, the feelings lessen and your mouth will feel normal again.

Home Care

Caring For Your Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain Veneers are a wonderful way to create a beautiful flawless smile. Though porcelain veneers are extremely durable, you will need to take care of them to make them last as long as possible. Practising the following tips will greatly help in keeping your porcelain veneers looking and functioning their best.

• Brushing twice a day and flossing once a day is key to increasing the lifespan of your veneers.
• Use a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste.
• Regular dental check ups not only help keep your teeth and gums healthy, but also allow your dentist to assess your porcelain veneers and repair any issues that could damage them.

Caring For Your Composite Veneers

• Avoid hard foods. Composite veneers aren’t as delicate as their porcelain counterparts, but under the right form of pressure they can chip and break. Avoid things like hard candy, nuts and bones.
• Avoid foods and drinks that stain. Things like coffee, tea, soda, red wine and grape juice can stain composite veneers. Although cigarettes aren’t food, they can also do their fair share of staining. If you can’t avoid these items altogether, brush and rinse well after you indulge.
• Use either a toothbrush with a soft bristle or an electric toothbrush.
• Avoid abrasive toothpaste. Whitening toothpastes and those with baking soda tend to be more abrasive than others. Ask your dentist what he recommends.
• Floss at least once a day. Having veneers over your teeth doesn’t mean that flossing should stop. Plaque can still build up between the teeth.
• Get twice yearly check-up from your dentist. Tell any new dentists that you have composite veneers, as certain cleaning methods can scratch or damage them.
• Wearing a night guard is an option. Grinding your teeth at night can cause eventual damage to the veneers. A night guard can help you avoid such problems.