Porcelain veneers are a popular cosmetic dental solution. They could offer a brilliant, natural-looking smile for those who want to correct discoloration, chips, or misalignment. While veneers are designed to be durable and stain-resistant, they aren’t indestructible. With proper care, porcelain veneers could last 10 to 15 years or more, but they do require a commitment to good oral hygiene and mindful habits. Understanding how to care for your veneers after treatment in Gettysburg, PA, can help you maintain your smile’s look and function for years.
How To Make Your Veneers Last
Dr. Tempel recommends taking several steps to help your results last as long as possible.
Practice Excellent Oral Hygiene
Even though your veneers won’t get cavities, the teeth underneath them still can. Good daily oral hygiene is key. Here’s what we recommend:
- Brush Your Teeth and Veneers: Brush twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Use a non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste to avoid scratching the surface of your veneers. Avoid gritty or harsh toothpastes.
- Floss: You should floss at least once a day to remove plaque and food debris between your teeth. This helps prevent gum disease, which can weaken the support for your veneers.
- Use mouthwash: You should consider adding an antibacterial mouthwash to your routine. Mouthwash can reduce bacteria that can cause gum inflammation. Also look for an alcohol-free mouthwash to reduce the risk of dry mouth or damage to your veneers.
Caring for your veneers is just as important as caring for your teeth and gums. Following these habits consistently keeps you healthy. These good habits can also remove surface stains from your veneers.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Routine dental visits are crucial for keeping your veneers in top condition. During cleanings and checkups, your dentist can monitor the health of your gums and natural teeth. This helps to ensure no issues are developing under or around the veneers. A professional cleaning also removes plaque and tartar that brushing alone can miss. Additionally, your dentist will check for any chips, cracks, or signs of wear. They may also polish your veneers to keep them looking like new.
Be Mindful of Your Diet
While porcelain is stain-resistant, it’s still wise to limit consumption of dark-colored foods and drinks that can stain natural teeth and any exposed edges around the veneers. Coffee, red wine, black tea, soy sauce, and berries are among the biggest culprits.
Drinking through a straw can help minimize contact between staining liquids and your teeth. Acidic foods and drinks should also be consumed in moderation. They can weaken the enamel of adjacent natural teeth, potentially compromising the overall health of your mouth.
Avoid Hard and Sticky Foods
Porcelain veneers are strong, but they’re not unbreakable. Chewing on hard objects like ice, pens, or fingernails can chip or crack them. Sticky foods like caramel or chewing gum can dislodge or loosen veneers over time. Cut crunchy foods like apples or carrots into smaller pieces to avoid putting excessive pressure on your veneers. Treat your veneers as you would your natural teeth, maybe even a bit more carefully.
Break Bad Habits
Certain habits can significantly shorten the life of your porcelain veneers. While veneers are strong and durable, they are not indestructible. Avoiding these habits will help protect your investment and keep your smile looking beautiful for years.
- Grinding or Clenching Your Teeth: Grinding or clenching puts a lot of pressure on your teeth and veneers. This constant force can cause cracks, chips, or general wear over time. Many people grind their teeth at night without even realizing it. If this is an issue for you, our dentist may recommend a custom mouthguard to wear while you sleep.
- Smoking and Using Tobacco Products: Tobacco use can harm both your veneers and your natural teeth. Cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, and even nicotine from vapes can stain the edges of your veneers and the surrounding teeth. Smoking also increases your risk of gum disease, which can weaken the support for your veneers and potentially cause them to loosen or fail. Avoiding tobacco products or quitting protects both your oral health and the look of your veneers.
- Using Your Teeth as Tools: It can be tempting to use your teeth to open packages, bite fingernails, or cut threads, but this puts veneers under stress they are not designed to handle. Using your teeth for non-food tasks can chip, crack, or loosen your veneers. Treat your veneers like a precious tool meant for eating only. By sticking to their intended purpose—chewing food—you’ll help them last longer and stay intact.
Bad habits can chip, crack, or loosen your veneers. Breaking these habits may seem small, but they make a large difference in keeping your veneers intact.
Get Veeners Today
At Gettysburg Smiles, we want to help you achieve and maintain your results. Let us know if you have questions about veneer aftercare. You can also contact our office today to schedule a consultation and learn more about your treatment options.