Veneers are an easy way to cover chips, discoloration, rough edges, and small gaps for a smoother, polished smile without any extensive dental work. They are built to last, but they are not maintenance-free. A handful of daily habits, paired with regular dental visits, can help keep them in good condition for many years.
Much of this comes down to treating your veneers the way you already treat your natural teeth, with a little additional care for what comes into contact with them.
Build Your Day Around Basic Oral Care
Your gums and remaining natural teeth support the veneers, so their health matters just as much as the veneers themselves. Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled brush and a toothpaste that is not abrasive. Whitening toothpastes and products with harsh grit can dull the surface of a veneer more quickly than most people expect.
Floss once a day. It clears out the spaces between teeth and along the gumline that a toothbrush cannot reach on its own. Weak or irritated gums place stress on the teeth supporting your veneers, which is another reason not to overlook this step. An alcohol-free mouthwash is a reasonable addition for anyone who wants their mouth to feel clean between brushings.
Be Aware of Habits That Put Veneers at Risk
Veneers withstand normal daily use without difficulty, but sudden pressure is a different matter. Biting into ice, chewing on pens, or using your teeth to open packaging can chip or crack them in an instant. These habits carry unnecessary risk for a restoration that requires time and expense to place.
Teeth grinding at night is another concern, and many people are unaware of it until a dentist identifies it. If this applies to you, ask your dentist about a nightguard. It is a straightforward device, but it removes considerable pressure from both your veneers and your natural teeth during sleep.
Exercise Caution With Hard or Sticky Foods
An overhaul of your diet is not necessary after getting veneers. It is worth being more careful with anything very hard or unusually sticky, since this type of food places strain on the veneer and the tooth beneath it at the same time.
Coffee, tea, red wine, and dark sauces are common causes of staining. Porcelain itself resists discoloration reasonably well, but the natural teeth surrounding your veneers do not share that same resistance. Over time, this difference can become noticeable, which is one more reason to remain consistent with brushing and flossing.
Maintain Your Regular Checkups
A dentist can identify changes in your veneers and surrounding teeth well before you would notice them. Professional cleanings also remove hardened buildup that brushing at home cannot address.
These appointments serve another purpose as well. Minor issues identified early are considerably easier and less costly to correct than those left unaddressed.
Schedule Your Appointment
Veneers are considered a substantial investment, and their life span depends mostly on how you take care of them every day. Proper oral hygiene, avoiding habits that could damage your veneers, and keeping your regular dental appointments can help ensure your veneers last for many years.
If you’re considering veneers or have questions about caring for your existing veneers, schedule an appointment with the team at Precision Smile Dentistry today. We’ll evaluate your smile, answer your questions, and help you keep your veneers looking their best for years to come.