Once you have porcelain veneers, they will require care and maintenance just as your natural teeth. However, be aware that the surface of porcelain veneers is different from tooth enamel, and what works for natural teeth can actually cause damage to the ceramic surface of your new veneers.
Once your veneers are set and you’re back from the dentist, you may have to make some adjustments in order to preserve your porcelain veneers. One of the major things to avoid is excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages, particularly “hard” liquor. This does not mean you must become a complete teetotaler; you can still enjoy an occasional cocktail or glass of wine with dinner. Be aware however that alcohol is a powerful solvent which can dissolve the bonding agent that holds your porcelain veneers in place. For the same reason, it’s a good idea to avoid most commercial mouthwashes that typically contain alcohol, such as Listerine or Scope. Tom’s of Maine manufactures an alcohol-free mouthwash of excellent quality that uses witch hazel as the astringent ingredient in addition to essential oils of peppermint and spearmint. It is not particularly sweet-tasting and requires some getting used to, but most patients find it far more refreshing - and it is definitely better for one’s porcelain veneers.
You’ll also need to change your brand of toothpaste, and make certain that your toothbrush is a soft one. Most commercial toothpaste is too abrasive for use on porcelain veneers. According to one test, Colgate® and Crest® regular formulas were found to have low enough abrasiveness to be suitable for use on porcelain. It should be noted that other formulas of these same brands (”super-whitening,” tartar-control, etc.) were substantially higher in abrasivity; it’s best to stick to the plain variety if you choose to go with one of these brands. Rembrandt® is another brand that is low in abrasiveness, but it is more expensive than the others.
