Veneers are a popular cosmetic dental solution that can transform your smile, providing a natural, beautiful look. However, maintaining the health and appearance of your veneers is essential to ensuring they last as long as possible. At Mentone Smiles, we understand that with proper care, your veneers can offer lasting results, enhancing your smile for years to come.
In this blog, we’ll explore the best tips and practices to maintain your veneers so that you can enjoy a stunning smile while keeping your investment intact.
Why Proper Care of Your Veneers is Essential
Veneers, made of porcelain or composite resin, require regular care to maintain their appearance and function. Proper care protects the veneers and the natural teeth underneath, extending their lifespan through proper habits.
1. Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial for preserving veneers and natural teeth, so follow these tips to keep your mouth healthy and veneers in good condition.
- Brush Twice a Day: Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to gently clean your teeth and veneers. Avoid harsh brushing techniques that could damage the veneer’s surface.
- Floss Daily: Flossing keeps plaque and debris out of the spaces between your veneers and teeth, preventing gum disease and decay that could harm the natural teeth that support the veneers.
- Use an Alcohol-Free Mouthwash: Mouthwashes that contain alcohol can weaken the bond between your veneers and your natural teeth, so opt for alcohol-free products that are gentler on your veneers.
2. Avoid Hard Foods and Chewing Habits
Maintaining a healthy diet and chewing habits can help prevent chips or cracks in veneers, despite their strength.
- Avoid Biting into Hard Foods: Hard items like ice, nuts, and candy can put unnecessary pressure on your veneers, causing them to chip or crack.
- Don’t Use Your Teeth as Tools: Avoid using your teeth to open packaging, bite your nails, or chew on pens. These behaviours can harm teeth that are natural as well as veneers.
- Cut Tough Foods: If you’re eating foods that are tough or crunchy, such as apples or carrots, consider cutting them into smaller, bite-sized pieces to minimise stress on your veneers.
3. Limit Stain-Causing Foods and Beverages
Porcelain veneers are resistant to stains, but the natural teeth surrounding them are not. Discoloration of your natural teeth can cause your smile to look uneven over time. To prevent this:
- Limit Stain-Causing Beverages: Soda, coffee, tea, and red wine are known to discolour teeth. Use a straw when drinking these beverages to minimise contact with your teeth.
- Quit Smoking: Smoking can cause unsightly stains on your natural teeth and diminish the overall appearance of your veneers. Consider quitting smoking to maintain a bright smile and improve your oral health.
- Rinse After Eating: If you consume foods or drinks that may cause staining, rinsing your mouth with water afterwards can help wash away pigments and prevent buildup.
4. Schedule Regular Dental Checkups
Mentone Smiles recommends scheduling a six-month regular dental checkup to maintain the excellent condition of veneers and overall oral health.
- Professional Cleanings: Regular cleanings help remove plaque, tartar, and any surface stains from your teeth and veneers. Our dental hygienists use gentle techniques that preserve the integrity of your veneers.
- Veneer Inspection: During your checkups, we’ll inspect your veneers to ensure they are still securely bonded and free from damage. If any issues are detected, early intervention can prevent more significant problems.
5. If you grind your teeth, use a mouthguard.
Teeth grinding, especially at night, can damage veneers, causing chips, cracks, or loosening. Wearing a custom-made mouthguard can protect veneers from excessive pressure.
- Nightguards: Nightguards are specially designed to fit your mouth and provide a protective barrier between your teeth, reducing the risk of grinding-related damage.
- Stress Management: Bruxism is often linked to stress, so practicing relaxation techniques, like meditation or yoga, may help alleviate this habit over time.
6. Handle Stains and Chips Immediately
If you notice any discoloration, chips, or cracks in your veneers, it’s important to address the issue promptly. At Mentone Smiles, we offer professional veneer maintenance services that include repairing minor damages and polishing your veneers to restore their shine.
- Whitening Treatments for Surrounding Teeth: If your natural teeth become discoloured, professional teeth whitening can help restore a uniform appearance to your smile without affecting the colour of your veneers.
- Veneer Repairs: Small chips or cracks can often be repaired without needing to replace the entire veneer. Our dental specialists can assess the damage and suggest the proper remedy to keep your veneers looking beautiful.
7. Choose the Right Toothpaste
When it comes to keeping your veneers clean and free from stains, the right toothpaste is crucial. Avoid using abrasive toothpaste that contains baking soda or other harsh ingredients, as these can scratch the surface of your veneers, making them more susceptible to staining.
Instead, opt for non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste designed for cosmetic dentistry, which will effectively clean your veneers without causing damage.
Maintaining a Bright, Long-Lasting Smile
Veneers can last up to 15 years with good care, making them a considerable investment in your smile. Following these maintenance tips will not only keep your veneers looking their best but also help protect your natural teeth and gums.
Our goal at Mentone Smiles is to support you in keeping a gorgeous, healthy smile. Whether you need routine cleanings, veneer repairs, or a consultation on how to care for your veneers, our expert dental team is here to support you every step of the way.
If you have any questions or concerns about your veneers, or if you’re considering veneers for the first time, contact Mentone Smiles today to schedule an appointment. Let us help you achieve a long-lasting, confident smile!