woman brushing dental veneers with blue light toothbrush

How do you maintain dental veneers?

June 13, 2023

Dental veneers are a popular cosmetic dentistry solution that can transform your smile and give you the confidence to show off your pearly whites.

Whether you have porcelain or composite veneers, it's essential to know how to properly maintain them to ensure their long-term beauty and functionality.

Follow our guide of practical tips and expert advice on maintaining your veneers. From oral hygiene practices and dietary habits to regular dental checkups, we will guide you through the steps necessary to keep your veneers looking their best and ensure a radiant smile for years to come.

What are dental veneers?
How do you maintain dental veneers?
Clean your teeth under veneers
Prevent staining your dental veneers
Opt for a healthy diet
Regular dental checkups
Whiten veneers

What are dental veneers?

Dental veneers are thin pieces of tooth-colored porcelain that are cemented to the front of your teeth. They’re an easy way to fix various dental cosmetic issues, like improving the shape, size, or color of your teeth.

Whilst veneers can be a quick and effective way to fix or improve the appearance of your teeth, it’s important to remember that veneers are permanent, so you'll need to properly maintain them to keep them looking their best.

How do you maintain dental veneers?

1. How to clean your teeth under veneers

Practicing good oral hygiene daily is key to maintaining your dental veneers, as it will not only prolong the life of your veneers but also keep your entire mouth healthy.

Although porcelain veneers do not decay, some teeth might still be exposed and, therefore, still at risk of decay. Cleaning your teeth under veneers requires some specific techniques to ensure proper oral hygiene and maintain the appearance of your veneers.

Brush

Gently brush your teeth twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle toothpaste that is suitable for veneers. Hard bristles and abrasive toothpaste can damage the polish on your veneers. Focus your attention on the area where the veneers meet your natural teeth for a thorough cleaning, and brush for 2 minutes to ensure you reach all your teeth and gums.

Flossing

Plaque will build up where toothbrush bristles can’t reach. Regular flossing removes plaque and food particles from between your teeth and along the gum line. Use floss or an interdental brush around the edge of your veneers for optimal oral health.

Mouthwash

Use a mouthwash containing fluoride to prevent tooth decay, and don't eat or drink for 30 minutes after using it.

Don't use mouthwash straight after brushing your teeth, as you don't want to wash away the fluoride from your toothpaste. Instead, use it during the day, such as after lunch, to remove food particles from your teeth.

“Don’t use mouthwash straight after brushing your teeth, or it’ll wash away the concentrated fluoride on your teeth from your toothpaste.”

2. Protect the veneers from damage

Preventing your veneers from any knocks or damage will keep them in better condition for longer and small chips may be more likely to stain from food and drink.

Avoid chewing on objects and grinding teeth

Dental veneers are durable but can still be damaged by repeated force. Don’t bite on hard objects like ice, pens, or fingernails, and don't use your teeth to open packages or bottles. Similarly, grinding and clenching your teeth together can wear down your veneers, causing damage to the porcelain.

Protect your veneers during physical activities

Contact sports can pose a risk to teeth, and any trauma can lead to discolored teeth or broken veneers. Invest in a custom-fitted mouthguard to wear during sports or activities to act as a protective barrier, reducing the risk of chipping or damaging your veneers.

3. Opt for a healthy diet

Maintaining a healthy diet benefits your overall well-being but also contributes to the health of your dental veneers.

Limit dark-colored food and drinks to prevent staining your dental veneers

Certain food and drinks are known to stain teeth, the main culprits being coffee, tea, red wine, and dark-colored berries. Try to minimize consuming these types of food and drink or use a stain eraser to remove stains before they set.

Reduce sugary foods and drinks

Sugary food and drinks contribute to tooth decay and gum disease, compromising your dental veneers over time. Gum disease causes inflamed gums and can cause them to recede, exposing part of the veneer and impacting the overall appearance. A healthy, balanced diet made up of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and dairy products can maintain the best oral health.

4. Regular dental checkups

Regular visits to your dentist are crucial for the long-term success of your dental veneers.

Professional cleanings

Your dentist can more thoroughly clean up plaque or tartar buildup on or around your veneers. These deep cleans will preserve your veneers and prevent gum disease and other oral health issues from keeping your smile healthy.

Examination and maintenance

Regularly visit your dentist so they can examine your veneers and ensure they are properly bonded. They will be able to identify if there are any chips, cracks, or loose veneers and quickly solve the issue to prevent further damage.

Bite Alignment

Veneers may affect your bite alignment, which can be uncomfortable or contribute to uneven wear. Your dentist will be able to examine your bite and make any adjustments to ensure functionality and comfort.

5. Whiten veneers for a confident smile

Touch-ups

Keep a few on-the-go teeth whitening products in your bag to whiten both veneers and your natural teeth wherever you are.

Use our teeth-whitening pens to freshen your smile on the go when there’s no access to a sink. Spread the soft bristles on your veneers to spread the whitening serum and remove any stains.

Prevention

Use our stain removers after eating and drinking to remove stains before they are set. In an impressively compact design, they are easy to slip into your handbag to keep your smile clean when you're out and about.

Simply flip the eraser open and rub it over your teeth in a circular motion.