Getting the most out of your new veneers

If you’re interested in getting dental veneers, you likely know that they can transform the appearance of your smile for many years to come and improve your oral health. They do this, in part, because they’re designed to last. Veneers are made from durable and stain-resistant porcelain, which helps them stand up to years of daily wear. Despite their durability, your veneers will need to be replaced at some point, typically after approximately 10 years. The better veneer care you practice, the longer it’ll be before you need to replace them.

What does great veneer care involve? Thankfully, it’s simpler than you might think! To help you decide if veneers are right for you, and to help you get the most out of your new veneers, we’ve put together a guide on veneer care that’ll help ensure your new smile lasts as long as possible.

Cut back on eating foods that can stain your new veneers.

Dental veneers are made from durable, stain-resistant porcelain, but that doesn’t mean they won’t stain at all. The same foods and drinks that can stain your teeth can also stain your veneers over time. This means that it’s wise to cut back on certain types of foods and drinks to keep your veneers looking beautiful and bright. This includes foods like curry or that contain tomato-based sauces since they can stain your veneers and your teeth over time. Similarly, it’s best to avoid dark-colored drinks like coffee, tea, and soda. Eliminating these foods and drinks completely might be a big ask, especially if you really love them, but it’s still wise to cut back and be aware of how often you’re consuming them. Doing so is a great step in veneer care and will help them stay brighter for longer, keeping your smile beautiful!

If you do eat or drink something that could stain them, take precautions to prevent staining.

We know it’s not easy to cut staining foods and drinks completely out of your diet, so there are some precautions you can take to prevent staining if you do decide to indulge yourself a little. Drink dark-colored drinks with a straw whenever possible to limit their contact with your teeth, and brush your teeth shortly after eating or drinking something that risks causing staining. If only a few of your visible teeth are covered with veneers, you may want to use a whitening toothpaste to help ensure that your teeth stay the same shade as your veneers over time.

Avoid habits that could potentially hurt your veneers.

Yes, your veneers are very strong—surprisingly so! Porcelain veneers are designed for strength and durability, so they’re just as strong as your natural teeth. Like your natural teeth, though, they aren’t indestructible, so avoid the same habits that risk damaging natural teeth. This includes fingernail biting, chewing on pens, crunching down on ice, or using your teeth as a tool to open packaging or crack nuts open. These habits can damage natural teeth and can cause veneers to chip, crack, or break, which often means having to replace them sooner than you’d otherwise need to.

If you struggle with bruxism, which is when you habitually clench or grind your teeth, it’s also wise to address it to prevent injuries to your teeth and your veneers. Awake bruxism can often be alleviated through stress management techniques or by treating anxiety, while sleep bruxism may require you to wear a nightguard when you go to sleep. Nightguards are custom-made devices that look a lot like mouth guards, which are designed to protect your teeth and jaws from the effects of bruxism. It’s usually pretty easy to take steps to avoid these habits, but it can be incredibly beneficial, increasing the lifespan of your veneers and protecting you from the expense of needing to replace your veneers early or even damaging a natural tooth.

Commit to a consistent oral hygiene routine.

Plaque and tartar can build up on your veneers just like they can build up on your natural teeth, causing them to take on a yellow or brown tint. As a result, practicing a great oral hygiene routine is just as important for maintaining the appearance of your veneers as it is for maintaining your oral health. A consistent oral hygiene routine should involve brushing your teeth for two minutes at least twice a day, flossing at least once a day, and using mouthwash daily. Even a thorough oral hygiene routine like this only takes a few minutes out of your day, making it easy to squeeze into even the busiest schedules, and the results are more than worth it! It’ll keep your teeth and gums healthy while ensuring your veneers last as long as possible.

Continue with follow-up dental appointments

It’s incredibly important to keep up with regularly scheduled dental appointments. Visiting Dr. Tomasik every six months is an essential part of keeping your teeth healthy and your veneers looking great. It gives him the chance to spot any potential problems with your teeth and give them and your veneers a thorough cleaning. Tartar, which is mineralized plaque, can’t be removed from your teeth or veneers with your at-home oral hygiene routine. Since it’s bonded to the surface of your teeth, it needs to be removed with special tools at your dentist’s office. Removing plaque and tartar helps your teeth and veneers appear whiter and brighter and helps protect them from future decay. Plus, it’s the perfect opportunity for you to get great tips from Dr. Tomasik on how to better maintain your veneers and ask him any questions you may have.

Enjoy your new teeth!

Veneers are just as easy to care for as natural teeth, so sit back and enjoy your new smile! You might even want to get a photo shoot done so you have great pictures featuring your new, refreshed smile. If you loved your experience with our team, are happy with your new smile, and know of a friend or family member who’s considering cosmetic work, consider recommending them to our practice. We’d love to help them achieve their dream smile, too!

Taking great care of your porcelain veneers is incredibly simple, but it helps you get the most out of them. It saves you money and keeps your smile youthful and beautiful for as long as possible, making it more than worth establishing a few simple daily routines! If you’d like to learn more about veneer care or the veneer placement process, feel free to call and schedule a consultation with Dr. Tomasik at any time.