From a traditional whitening treatment to a completely new set of teeth with dentures, dentists can improve a person's smile easily with the different options available. Of course, due to their enormous improvement,  porcelain veneers are becoming a popular option for patients. If you have misaligned, chipped, or severely discolored teeth, these thin, porcelain covers for your teeth can be a great investment.

Due to their permanent application and the gentle nature of the porcelain, veneers will cause you to give up some favorite snacks and stop a few everyday habits. Using this guide, you will understand the application process, helping to prevent chipping or breaking your veneers. 

Veneer Application 101

The application of your new veneers can be a timely process. First you will have an initial consultaion (which you can get from somewhere like http://www.accentdentalnwi.com or another location). After this visit, your cosmetic dentist will remove .5mm of enamel from the surface of your teeth. This reduction in enamel ensures the porcelain layers will securely fit on the tooth surface.

Your dentist will measure your teeth and mouth before fabrication begins on your veneers. Once complete, a light-sensitive resin bonds the porcelain veneers while a curing light hardens the material for a permanent, secure fit.

Although durable and secure, certain acts create a twisting movement that will damage your veneers. To protect your veneers from chipping or breaking, avoiding certain foods and habits is smart.

Sneaky Snacks

• Apple – Although an apple a day keeps the doctor away, it may increase your visits to the dentist. Of course, apples are not a forbidden fruit when wearing veneers. Before eating, slice into thin pieces. Peeling the apple before slicing is also helpful for preventing twisting and pulling of your veneers. 

          If you enjoy a candy or caramel apple at your annual carnival, it's best to skip this favorite treat because of your veneers. If you can't say no, cut the hard-shelled or gooey apple into small pieces before eating.

• Nuts – Peanuts, cashews, walnuts, almonds, and pistachios offer incredible health benefits. However, excessive consumption of these heart-healthy snacks can become problems for your veneers when breaking apart and cracking the shells. Like so many, you may be cracking and opening shells with your teeth.  To enjoy your favorite nuts, be sure to crack and open shells with a special tool or your fingers.
• Red Wine, Coffee, Tea, and Soda – With porcelain veneers, you should reduce the amount of red wine, coffee, tea, and soda you drink each day, as well.  While porcelain is non-porous and difficult to stain, the bonding material can quickly discolor when consuming large quantities of foods and drinks with dark pigments.

Common Habits

You may have some habits that are not only unhealthy, but also bad for your veneers. After installing your veneers, consider quitting the following:

• Tobacco – Quit smoking and using chewing tobacco. Tooth discoloration is common in tobacco users, so prevent any staining on the resin that bonds your veneers to your teeth.
• Chewing Ice – While surprising to hear, chewing ice is a popular habit for many people. If you enjoy chewing, crunching, and breaking up the ice in your beverage, break the habit before you break your porcelain veneers.
• Nail Biting – An estimated 50 percent of adults bite their nails. This nervous task may stem from stress, boredom, or just a habitual act you do without much thought. Unfortunately, the common habit causes you to bite, pull, and twist with your teeth while placing stress on your veneers. Finding other ways to cope with your stress will break the habit and protect your new smile.

The underlying health of your teeth and gums is important, but having a healthy and appealing smile can do wonders for your self-esteem. With proper understanding and care, your porcelain veneers can be a great investment in your overall physical, emotional, and mental health.