How to Care for Veneers: Protect Your Investment
Dental veneers can make a major difference in the appearance of your smile, but getting them placed is only the beginning. Like natural teeth, veneers need regular care to stay healthy and looking their best. While porcelain veneers are durable and designed to last for many years, they can still chip, crack, or become damaged if they’re not properly cared for.
The good news is that caring for veneers isn’t complicated. Most of the same habits that keep your natural teeth healthy also help protect your veneers. A few additional precautions can help prevent unnecessary damage and extend their lifespan. Knowing how to care for veneers can help you protect your investment and enjoy your new smile for years to come.
Brush and Floss Every Day
Taking care of veneers starts with the same basic habits that keep natural teeth healthy. Brush twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and use a non-abrasive toothpaste. Veneers don’t respond to whitening treatments the way natural teeth do, so there is usually little benefit to using an aggressive whitening toothpaste. This helps remove plaque without being overly harsh on the veneers or the bonding that holds them in place.
Flossing is just as important. Plaque can still build up around the edges of veneers and along the gumline, which can lead to gum problems if it’s left there. Floss around your veneered teeth every day, just as you would with your natural teeth.
Watch What You Bite
One of the easiest ways to damage veneers is to use your teeth for things they weren’t meant to do. Veneers are durable, but they’re not indestructible. Biting down on ice, pens, fingernails, or hard objects can put enough force on a veneer to cause it to chip or crack. If you have a habit of chewing on objects or biting your nails, breaking that habit can go a long way toward protecting your veneers. A little extra care can help prevent an otherwise avoidable repair. You should also be careful when eating particularly hard foods. This doesn’t mean you need to avoid your favorite foods altogether, but it’s smart to avoid putting excessive force on your front teeth.
Protect Your Veneers at Night
Many people grind their teeth while sleeping without realizing it, and over time, this can cause veneers to wear down, chip, or become damaged. If you grind or clench your teeth, your dentist may recommend a custom nightguard. Wearing one while you sleep creates a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth and can reduce the amount of force placed on your veneers.
Signs of grinding can include waking up with a sore jaw, frequent headaches, worn teeth, or noticing small chips in your veneers. If any of these sound familiar, talk to your dentist about whether a nightguard could help protect your smile.
Keep Up With Dental Visits
Getting veneers doesn’t mean you no longer need to go to the dentist. Regular exams and professional cleanings are still important for protecting both your veneers and the natural teeth underneath them. During these visits, your dentist can check the condition of your veneers, the bonding around them, your gums, and your bite. Professional cleanings also remove plaque and tartar that brushing and flossing can’t. It’s important to remember that veneers themselves cannot develop cavities, but the natural tooth underneath them still can. Your gums can also develop inflammation or disease. Keeping up with regular dental care helps protect the entire smile, not just the veneers.
Protect Your Investment for Years
Veneers are designed to provide long-lasting cosmetic results, but they’re still an investment worth protecting. Brushing and flossing every day, avoiding habits that can damage your teeth, protecting against grinding, and keeping up with regular dental visits can all help your veneers last as long as possible.
Even with excellent care, veneers eventually need to be replaced. However, taking care of them properly can help you get many years out of your treatment. At Epic Family Dental in San Clemente, we can help you maintain your existing veneers and keep your natural teeth healthy as well. If you’re considering veneers or have questions about caring for your current ones, schedule a consultation with our team to learn more.
Call (949) 492-3407 or fill out the form below to learn more.