Smoking and Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry treatments, due in large part to their versatility. Porcelain veneers conceal a wide range of cosmetic imperfections, including dental stains, discoloration, minor misalignment problems, gapped teeth, chips, cracks, and fractures. Veneers leave patients with a smile that looks whiter, straighter, and more attractive.
Porcelain veneers are strong restorations that are meant to last for several years, but certain oral habits can compromise the results of veneers treatment. Here, dentists from Brooklyn Heights Dental, which serves Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn, Fort Greene, and surrounding areas, discuss how smoking compromises porcelain veneers, and what people can do to protect their veneers from damage related to tobacco.
Can I Smoke After Porcelain Veneers Treatment?
Smoking increases the risk of many illnesses and diseases, including oral health complications. While people are able to make their own decisions regarding their personal habits and can technically continue to smoke after porcelain veneers treatment, our dentists strongly advise against it. Besides the risks that already exist for smokers, tobacco use can compromise the results of porcelain veneers treatment in a number of different ways.
Smoking and Dental Stains
Dental stains and discoloration are two of the biggest cosmetic concerns among smokers. The nicotine and tar that are in cigarettes get into tooth enamel and can give the teeth a yellow or gray appearance, instead of the bright white color that most people desire. People may think that dental stains are no longer a concern once porcelain veneers are in place, but that’s not true.
Porcelain veneers shield and protect the teeth to a degree, but with regular tobacco use the underlying natural tooth structure can still become discolored. Over time, discoloration may begin to show around the edges of the porcelain veneers, leaving people with a less-than-ideal smile.
Smoking and Oral Health
Smoking does not only affect the appearance of the smile, but also the health of the teeth and gums. Gum disease and tooth loss are both more prevalent among smokers. Again, even though porcelain veneers shield the teeth to a degree, that doesn’t mean that they are protected from the harmful side effects of smoking. If periodontal problems or dental complications develop, they will need to be treated, which often requires the removal of porcelain veneers. Veneers will need to be replaced after oral health issues are addressed, making treatment more lengthy and costly.
Shortened Porcelain Veneers Lifespan
When smoking affects oral health or aesthetics, dental treatment is necessary to correct the issue and restore the health and beauty of the smile. Unfortunately, porcelain veneers often need to be removed prior to dental treatment. This means that smoking can ultimately shorten porcelain veneers’ lifespan and lead to the need for veneers replacement.
Protecting Veneers From Smoking
As people work towards the goal of quitting smoking, there are some steps they can take to minimize veneers damage related to tobacco use:
- Brush the teeth after smoking (and at least twice a day)
- If brushing is not possible, rinse the mouth with water after smoking
- Stay well hydrated
- Schedule regular dental exams and cleanings (at least twice annually)
Contact Brooklyn Heights Dental
Porcelain veneers effectively address a wide range of cosmetic blemishes to enhance the beauty of the smile. If you are interested in learning more about porcelain veneers treatment, and how it can help you achieve your aesthetic goals, send us a message online or call (718) 857-6639 and schedule an appointment with the dentists at Brooklyn Heights Dental.
