Veneers can be considered a cosmetic dentistry revolution. No matter if it’s a chip, crack, or gap, veneers successfully conceal all cosmetic flaws. With their natural look, you can experience the feeling of having a bright and fresh smile. Veneers are generally durable, but you can take your veneer maintenance routine to the next step with the tips you’ll discover in this article.
1. Choose the Right Toothpaste and Toothbrush for Veneers
Veneer maintenance starts with selecting the right dental products. You also need to know which products can harm your veneers. Some toothpaste and toothbrushes are not suitable for your veneers because they can scratch their surfaces and make them look dull.
What Toothpaste Should You Use?
Your toothpaste should have a non-abrasive formula. Abrasive toothpastes often marketed for whitening contain particles that can scratch the surface of your veneers. This can cause them to lose their natural shine.
Fluoride toothpaste, on the other hand, is a safe choice. It strengthens the enamel of your natural teeth and protects them against cavities. It’s best to use toothpaste that is specifically made for veneers or cosmetic dental work. These kinds of toothpaste are formulated to clean gently without causing damage.
Selecting the Right Toothbrush
Your toothbrush choice is equally important. A soft-bristled toothbrush is the best choice for veneer maintenance. Harder bristles can create micro-abrasions on the surface and damage them. You can also use electric toothbrushes with adjustable settings, but make sure you set them in gentle mode to avoid excessive force on your veneers.
Brushing too hard or with the wrong tools can damage veneers, so always use a light touch when cleaning.
2. Maintain Your Daily Oral Hygiene Routine
If you want to keep your smile bright and fresh-looking for a long time, you should stick to a strong oral hygiene and veneer maintenance routine.
Veneers themselves are not prone to decay, but the teeth and gums around them are. If a tooth underneath a veneer becomes damaged by cavities or if gums become infected, the veneer’s fit will be at risk.
Recommended Brushing Techniques to Protect Veneers
Brush at least twice a day for two minutes, using gentle, circular motions. Especially focus on cleaning along your gum line, as this is where plaque usually accumulates. Don’t neglect this area, as it can lead to gum inflammation or recession. As a result, the edges of your veneers will be exposed.
Don’t brush immediately after consuming acidic foods or drinks. This can soften the enamel of your natural teeth and make them more susceptible to abrasion.
How to Floss Safely and Effectively
Flossing is an important part of a good oral hygiene routine. However, when you have veneers, you should do it carefully. Use a non-waxed or tape-style floss, which is gentler and less likely to catch on the edges of the veneers.
If you find traditional flossing hard or worry about damaging your veneers, you can use a water flosser. This tool uses a gentle stream of water to clean between teeth and around the gum line.
Protect Your Veneers with Professional Cleanings
Professional dental cleanings can remove surface stains and maximize the lifespan of veneers by preventing gum disease and tooth decay. Our skilled dental professionals at Pearl Dental Group use up-to-date dental tools and treatment methods to protect your smile.
3. Stay Away from Staining Foods and Drinks
The materials used to make different types of dental veneers are more stain-resistant than your natural teeth. However, the edges where veneers meet natural teeth and the underlying teeth themselves can still become discolored over time.
What to Avoid
- Dark Beverages: Coffee, tea, red wine, and cola.
- Foods with Strong Pigments: Berries, curry, soy sauce, and tomato-based products.
- Acidic Items: Citrus juices and soda.
Tips to Minimize Staining
Use a straw when drinking beverages like coffee or soda. This way, the liquid won’t directly be in touch with the veneers. Remember to rinse your mouth with water immediately after consuming staining foods or drinks. Finally, schedule professional cleanings regularly. This treatment removes surface stains.
4. Avoid Certain Habits to Protect Your Veneers
Yes, dental veneers are durable and resistant. But this doesn’t mean they’re indestructible! Cracks, chips, or discoloration are not surprising with certain habits. To keep your veneers in the best shape, you need to say goodbye to some habits.
Teeth Grinding
Grinding or clenching your teeth (a condition known as bruxism) can put veneers under pressure. This pressure is likely to crack or chip them. If you have this habit, talk to your dentist about it so they can give you a suitable mouthguard to wear at night. It’s notable that many people grind their teeth unknowingly, particularly during sleep. So, pay attention to this subject if you suspect you grind your teeth.
Biting Hard Objects
Biting hard objects (ice, fingernails, pens, or non-food items) is a damaging act both for your natural teeth and veneers. You should be cautious with hard foods like candies and nuts as well. Biting on hard foods and objects can crack your teeth and veneers.
Smoking and Tobacco Use
The edges of veneers and your natural teeth can become stained because of tobacco. But it doesn’t end here, smoking puts you at a higher risk of gum disease, which can compromise your veneers’ fit. If you smoke, quitting it would be the biggest gift to your smile and your overall health!
5. Do Not Miss Your Dental Checkups
Dental checkups are essential for a good veneer maintenance routine. During these visits, your dentist can detect early signs of problems that might not be visible to you. Additionally:
- Plaque and surface stains will be removed from the surface of your veneers.
- Your veneers will be checked for signs of wear and cracks.
- Your gums and teeth will be checked to make sure veneers remain secure.
Typically, checkups should be done twice a year. But if you have certain concerns or conditions, you may need it more frequently.
Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Veneers
With good veneer maintenance habits, you can maximize the lifespan of your veneers to 15 years. After this period, some signs indicate that it’s time to replace your dental veneers.
- Visible Chips or Cracks
- Broken Veneers
- Discoloration and Stains
- Loose or Uneven Fit (this can make gum disease and tooth decay more probable)
- Gum Recession
In a Nutshell
Veneers are a fantastic investment in your smile and confidence, but they require proper care to stay flawless. We discussed how you can create an appropriate veneer maintenance routine by choosing gentle dental products, sticking to a good oral hygiene routine, avoiding harmful habits, and visiting the dentist regularly. This way, you can keep your smile shiny for the years to come!
Is something wrong with your veneers? Our experienced cosmetic dentists at Pearl Dental Group are here to help you. If you have any questions regarding the condition of your dental veneers, don’t hesitate to contact us.
FAQs
Are veneers difficult to maintain?
They’re not! Regular brushing, flossing, and avoiding damaging habits like biting hard objects are enough to keep them in good condition.
Can I brush my teeth with veneers?
Yes, you can brush your teeth with veneers using a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste.
Can you use an electric toothbrush with veneers?
Yes, electric toothbrushes are safe for veneers. Use one with a gentle setting to clean your veneers without damaging them.
