Today, people have more options than ever to correct issues with their teeth. What used to take several years to fix can sometimes be done in one office visit. This is mainly due to advancements in cosmetic dentistry. Porcelain dental veneers are one procedure that is sought out by individuals who want to correct issues with their teeth. Veneers can correct a variety of issues such as stained teeth, chipped teeth, misaligned teeth, and gaps. They can be viewed as a semi-permanent solution. This is because they can last for years as long as they are taken care of and installed correctly. The following points will help you to understand a few things that could damage veneers.

Teeth Grinding and Clenching

The pressure and force exerted from these habits can wreak havoc on veneers. This does not mean that individuals who have these issues should not get veneers. However, they should inform the dentist who performs their procedures. They would likely advise them to wear a mouthguard to protect the veneers against damage at night. Jaw exercises can help with teeth clenching. 

Eating Hard Foods

You will need to refrain from eating hard foods with veneers. If you want to eat something such as hard candy or ice, choose to suck on it and let it melt in your mouth rather than biting or chewing it. This will protect the surfaces of your veneers. 

Mouth Trauma

If you play sports that could result in mouth injuries, ensure that you wear a mouthguard. There are other types of trauma that could occur too. For example, being a victim of physical violence or getting involved in a car accident could result in enough mouth trauma to crack veneers.

Tooth Preparation Issues

The procedure used to install dental veneers is fairly simple. However, it is possible for mistakes to occur. Teeth must be prepared for the procedure, and the dental veneers are affixed using a dental cement. If the cement loosens or the preparation process has errors, premature cracking may occur.

A cosmetic dentist, such as Michael G Landy DDS, is a good resource to use to determine if porcelain veneers are an ideal solution for you. Some people may have issues that make them unlikely candidates for veneers. For example, veneers may not be a corrective solution for severe misalignments. Keep in mind that it may be possible for cracked veneers to be repaired by board certified cosmetic dentists.