Getting veneers is an exciting decision for many teenagers and older children. Porcelain veneers help children with chipped, crooked, or permanently discolored teeth regain a stronger, healthier, and more attractive smile.
With proper care, your child’s veneers will last for many years. Our team at Dental Town DC explain how your child or teenager can best care for their porcelain veneers after they’re bonded to their teeth.
How veneers work
Veneers are thin, porcelain shells that our pediatric dentists bond to your child’s natural teeth. Your child or teen can get porcelain veneers once their permanent teeth are in place.
Veneers not only look natural, they also cover and repair many of the imperfections your child’s teeth might have developed. Improvements veneers can make include strengthening teeth that are cracked, chipped, or broken, instantly straightening teeth that look crooked, and creating a perfectly white, even coloring on teeth with stains or discoloration.
Caring for your child’s veneers
The advanced technology used to create porcelain veneers is impressive, but still requires maintenance at home. To ensure your child’s veneers last for at least a decade, help them take these steps to properly care for their veneers at home.
Maintain excellent oral hygiene
After getting porcelain veneers, your child needs to continue the same oral hygiene practices they would follow without veneers. This includes brushing in the morning and evening, daily flossing, and scheduling semi-annual dental cleanings.
Choose the best toothbrush and toothpaste
Depending on what your child used prior to getting veneers, it might be time to change to a toothbrush and toothpaste brand well-suited to porcelain veneers. Look for a toothbrush made of soft bristles, which won’t damage the veneers.
Similarly, choose a non-abrasive, non-whitening gel toothpaste, as abrasive toothpaste can damage veneers, and whitening toothpaste can discolor them. Our dentists can help your child choose the right toothbrush and toothpaste.
Be careful when eating certain foods
Certain foods can increase the risk of chipping or damaging veneers, so have your child carefully eat or avoid those foods. They include ice and any hard or chewy foods. Also, make sure your child doesn’t chew on inedible items, such as untying a knot using their teeth.
Your child will also want to limit consumption of tea, coffee, and soda. These beverages increase the risk they will stain or discolor their porcelain veneers.
Use a mouthguard when needed
In some circumstances, your child needs to wear a mouthguard to protect their porcelain veneers. If your child plays contact sports, make sure they always wear a mouthguard while playing to prevent chipping.
Your child also risks wearing down their veneers prematurely if they grind their teeth at night. If your child has bruxism, a properly fitted mouthguard will protect their veneers from damage.
Replace veneers when necessary
In most circumstances, your child’s veneers will last 10-15 years. Replace any veneers that are worn down from age or have cracked or chipped.
Our dental team offers a complimentary consultation to anyone interested in learning more about getting veneers. Contact the Dental Town DC team online or by calling our Washington, DC, office to make an appointment today.