If you’re considering either veneers or crowns, it’s important to keep in mind maintenance after either procedure.
The recovery process after receiving veneers is fairly short. Once the veneers are cemented and the anesthesia wears off, you can eat and chew as you normally would.
Traditional porcelain veneers typically last 10 years. Taking certain precautions can help make sure that you get the longest use out of them as possible. These precautions include:
- Avoiding chewing on hard objects
- Avoiding using your teeth to open a package
- Avoiding chewing with your front teeth
- Getting a mouthguard if you play sports
For the first 24 to 48 hours after receiving a dental crown, you should avoid sticky and hard foods. Beyond that time, you may start to treat your crown as though it’s a natural tooth.
While a crowned tooth doesn’t require any special care, please keep in mind that just because a tooth is crowned, that doesn’t mean that the tooth is protected from decay or gum disease.
Oral Hygiene
With either veneers or crowns, it’s important to practice good oral hygiene, such as brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing daily, and rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash.