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Caring for Your Veneers: Tips for Long-Lasting Results

09/10/2024

Dental veneers are a popular cosmetic dentistry treatment that offers a transformative way to achieve a stunning smile. These thin, custom-made shells of tooth-coloured materials are designed to cover the front surface of teeth, improving their appearance. 

While veneers are durable and stain-resistant, they’re not indestructible. Proper care is essential to ensure they remain in top condition for years. 

So, if you’ve just had veneers placed, how should you care for them?

In this guide, we’ll provide valuable tips on caring for your veneers and maximising their lifespan.

1. Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene

The foundation of veneer care is maintaining excellent oral hygiene. There are several ways to keep your new smile clean and fresh. 

Brush twice daily

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste. Brush for at least two minutes each time, paying particular attention to the gum line where plaque accumulates.

Floss daily

Gently floss between your teeth and around your veneers to remove food particles and plaque. Be careful not to snap the floss against your gums or veneers.

Rinse with mouthwash

Use an alcohol-free, antibacterial mouthwash to help reduce plaque and freshen your breath. This can be used separately from brushing to avoid rinsing away the fluoride in your toothpaste. 

Remember, while veneers can’t decay, the natural teeth beneath them can. Maintaining good oral hygiene protects both your veneers and your overall dental health.

2. Be Mindful of What You Eat and Drink

While veneers are stain-resistant, they’re not completely stain-proof. Here are a few ways to keep them looking their best.

Limit staining foods and drinks

Coffee, tea, red wine, and deeply coloured berries can stain your veneers. If you do consume these, rinse your mouth with water afterwards.

Avoid hard foods

Biting into hard foods like ice, nuts, or hard sweets can chip or crack your veneers. Cut these foods into smaller pieces and chew with your back teeth.

Be cautious with acidic foods

Highly acidic foods and drinks can erode the bonding material holding your veneers. Consume these in moderation and rinse your mouth afterwards.

3. Protect Your Veneers from Damage

Veneers are strong but can be damaged by excessive force or trauma. To protect them:

Wear a mouthguard

Wear a custom-fitted mouthguard to protect your veneers from impact or grinding forces if you play sports or grind your teeth at night.

Avoid using your teeth as tools

Don’t use your teeth (and veneers) to open packages, bite nails, or hold objects. This can cause chips or cracks.

Address teeth grinding

If you grind your teeth (bruxism), talk to us about potential solutions. Chronic grinding can wear down or damage veneers over time. 

4. Regular Dental Check-ups and Cleanings

Regular visits to your dentist are crucial for maintaining your veneers. You should schedule bi-annual check-ups so we can inspect your veneers for any signs of wear or damage and address issues early.

Our dental hygienist can also clean your veneers safely and effectively, removing stubborn stains or plaque build-up.

Contact us immediately if you notice any changes in your veneers, such as roughness, chips, or looseness.

5. Use Appropriate Oral Care Products

Choose your oral care products wisely. For instance, you should opt for non-abrasive toothpaste. Avoid any toothpaste with harsh abrasives that can scratch your veneers. Look for products specifically designed for use with veneers, or ask us for recommendations.

Consider an electric toothbrush. Electric toothbrushes can provide a thorough clean without excessive pressure, benefiting veneers.

Finally, use veneer-friendly floss. Waxed floss or dental tape may be easier to use with veneers and less likely to catch on the edges.

6. Make Good Lifestyle Choices

Some lifestyle choices can affect the longevity of your veneers. For example, if you’re a smoker, you should consider quitting smoking as tobacco use can stain veneers and compromise overall oral health.

Excessive alcohol can weaken the bonding material over time. Limiting your alcohol consumption can help preserve your smile longer. 

Drinking plenty of water will also help rinse away food particles and maintain a healthy pH balance in your mouth.

Caring for Your Veneers: The Long-Term Outlook

With proper care, veneers can last 10-15 years or even longer. However, they may eventually need to be replaced. By following these care tips, you can help ensure your veneers remain beautiful and functional for as long as possible.

Remember, your veneers are an investment in your smile and confidence. Treating them with care and maintaining good oral hygiene habits allows you to enjoy a radiant smile for years to come. Don’t hesitate to ask us if you have any questions about caring for your veneers. 

Contact us today to book your next appointment.