If the years have not been kind to your teeth, cosmetic dentistry can restore them to their original beauty. This is particularly true if you have minor problems such as chips, cracks, or discoloration. Your cosmetic dentist can place porcelain veneers directly over the surface of your teeth to cover the damage, and restore the appearance of your teeth. Once you have your porcelain veneers, you'll have to take some extra precautions to keep them in good condition. Here are four tips to keep our porcelain veneers looking perfect.

Avoid Hard Foods

Once you have your porcelain veneers, you'll have to avoid biting down on hard foods. Veneers are sturdy. However, it's important to remember that they're made of porcelain, which means that they can break. When biting down on food, be sure to use your back teeth. It's also important that you not use your teeth as tools, such as for opening things that shouldn't be opened with your teeth. You should also avoid biting your nails.

Rinse Your Mouth

Your porcelain veneers can get stained. When consuming foods and beverages that can stain your teeth, be sure to rinse your mouth with fresh water. This is particularly important when consuming things like beets, red wine, or coffee. If you're going to be attending parties where staining foods and beverages will be served, be sure to bring a travel-size toothbrush with you. This will allow you to clean your teeth, which will prevent stains and tooth decay.

Use a Mouth Guard

If you grind your teeth at night, you could damage your new veneers. Once you have your veneers, be sure to ask your cosmetic dentist to fit you for a mouth guard. The mouth guard will fit right over your teeth, and prevent damage while you're sleeping. If you're active in sports, you should also wear your mouth guard while playing. The mouth guard will prevent injuries to your mouth, and damage to your teeth.

Visit Your Dentist

Proper dental care is crucial to the health of your teeth. Be sure to visit your dentist at least twice a year. Your dentist will be able to identify problems with your veneers. They'll also be able to help you avoid the need for further cosmetic dentistry.

If your teeth have sustained damage over the years, talk to your cosmetic dentist about porcelain veneers. Once you have them, use the tips provided here to keep them looking their best.