How to Make Your New Veneers Last

When you first get your veneers, you’re sure to be excited about how they look and feel. After just two dental appointments, you might have gone from a smile you weren’t a fan of to the teeth of your dreams.

Now that you have your veneers, it’s on you to keep them looking good for as long as possible. If you want to know how to get the most out of them, here’s a guide that can tell you how to properly maintain your veneers.

How Do I Take Care of My Veneers?

For the most part, taking care of your veneers isn’t that much different than maintaining your natural teeth. None of the things that you have to do should necessarily be unfamiliar to you. The difference is that the porcelain that veneers are made of is considerably softer than your enamel, which means that they may be a little more sensitive to wear and tear. Here are a few things you should do to care for your veneers:

• Brush twice a day and floss daily. This shouldn’t be that unusual for you, but there are a few things to keep in mind that are particular to veneers.
  • Gritty toothpaste that contains baking soda, and whitening toothpaste that has hydrogen peroxide can both weaken your veneers.
  • You should use a soft-bristled toothbrush, as something with stiff bristles can leave scratches in your porcelain.
• Avoid grinding your teeth. This can put an incredible amount of pressure on your veneers, meaning you might crack them. If you have this problem, you might want to ask your dentist to fit you for a mouthguard to wear while you sleep. Similarly…
• Wear a mouthguard when you play sports or do anything active.
• Don’t use your teeth as tools. This is an easy way to damage them. In the same vein, be cautious about what you eat.
• See your dentist regularly. They’ll be able to examine your veneers for wear and to act quickly if there’s a problem.

If you care for them well, your veneers should be able to last you for a long time to come, around 10-20 years depending on how well you maintain them.

About the Author

Dr. Jayme Martinez is a dentist that understands that every patient is unique, so he takes the time to get to know those who visit him so that he can craft a treatment plan tailored to their needs. He’s been practicing for more than a decade, and in that time he’s felt privileged to help hundreds of patients find immaculate oral health. Dr. Martinez graduated from the Baylor College of Dentistry, and he’s a proud member of the Texas Dental Association.

If you have any questions about maintaining your veneers, he can be reached at his website or by phone at (214) 303-9969.