Caring for Veneers

Taking care of your veneers is essential for their longevity and the health of your own teeth. Dental veneers are thin shells of tooth-colored materials that cover the front surface of your teeth. These shells cover any chips, stains, or flaws to improve the appearance of your teeth. The dentist will trim the enamel off your teeth to create space for the veneers. An impression of your teeth will be taken, to create custom veneers for you. After the veneers are made to fit your teeth, the dentist will cement the veneers in place using a bonding agent. The American Dental Association states that dental veneers last up to 10 years.

How to Take Care of Dental Veneers?

In order to take care of your dental veneers, you must take care of your dental hygiene. Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss your teeth, and use mouth rinse. Make sure you refrain from eating too many sweets, and avoid chewing on hard objects. Don’t consume foods or drink anything that causes staining, such as red wine or dark coffee. Smoking or using tobacco will damage your veneers as well.

Maintain Good Oral Hygiene Habits

After you get veneers, it is important that you take care of your oral hygiene. Your natural teeth will still be prone to damage, cavities, and erosion if you do not properly maintain your oral health. You are still susceptible to having gum disease once you get veneers. A gel fluoride toothpaste is the best for porcelain veneers. Excessive brushing, and smoking can cause your gums to recede. Brushing teeth with a fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day, flossing, and using a mouthwash can help in preventing gum disease.

Protect Teeth If Playing Sports

Protecting your veneers while you play sports is essential to keeping your veneers safe. Make sure to wear a mouthguard if you are playing any contact sport, so that your teeth will be protected. Wear a helmet to ensure the safety of your veneers when playing contact sports. When swimming competitively, make sure you use a strengthening enamel toothpaste. Swimming pools that have a low PH level can be acidic and cause your tooth enamel to erode.

See Your Dentist Regularly

Continue to see your dentist regularly after you get veneers. Veneers can be damaged due to poor treatment and oral care. Make sure you have regular dentist visits to maintain healthy teeth.

Don’t Chew Hard Materials or Food

After you get veneers, make sure to not chew on hard material or food. Chewing on hard objects can crack the surface of veneers. Refrain from eating raw vegetables, chewing on ice or chewing on a pencil. The pressure of chewing on anything hard will cause damage to your veneers and decrease the time it will last.

Don’t Consume Foods and Drinks That Cause Staining

Refrain from eating food or drinking anything that will stain your veneers.Avoid drinking dark drinks such as coffee, dark wines, and berry juices. Tomato based sauces, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, and any sticky candy will cause staining to your veneers as well.

Don’t Grind and Clench Your Teeth

Make sure you avoid grinding and clenching your teeth after you get your veneers. Avoid bruxism which is the habit of grinding your teeth, clenching, or thrusting your jaw forward. The consistent pressure of grinding your teeth can cause your veneers to crack, chip, or loosen.

Don’t Smoke

Avoid smoking after you get porcelain veneers treatment. Smoking will cause the bonding material used to attach the veneers to become brown or yellow overtime. Smoking will cause discoloration and affect the health of your natural teeth. These veneers aftercare tips can help ensure that you can enjoy your veneers for a long time.

What to Expect After Getting Dental Veneers?

After getting veneers you may experience some tooth sensitivity and soreness around the gums. Your mouth may be sore due to the bonding agents used to install the veneers. The way you normally chew, eat, or talk will feel strange after getting veneers. You should get used to the feeling of veneers within a few weeks.

What Is the Dental Veneer Recovery Process?

Tooth sensitivity and gum soreness is a common issue after veneers are put on. You may eat soft foods 1-1.5 hours after your appointment, when the anesthesia completely wears off. It could take up to a few weeks to get used to your dental veneers and for any mild irritation to completely go away. Brushing your teeth, flossing and maintaining oral healthcare is essential for the health of your veneers and natural teeth underneath.

Do You Still Need to Go to the Dentist After You Get Dental Veneers?

You still need to visit your dentist after getting veneers. Dental checkups are important after getting veneers to ensure the well-being of your oral care. Make sure you have regular dentist visits to maintain healthy teeth.

What Food Should You Avoid With Dental Veneers?

You should refrain from hard food that will stain or chip your veneers. Make sure you avoid biting your fingernails or chewing hard objects, such as pencils or ice. Refrain from eating raw vegetables, candy or anything sticky such as caramel. Stay away from consuming too much alcohol or acidic foods that will erode the bonding material used for the veneers.

How Do You Clean Your Teeth Under Dental Veneers?

You must clean your teeth and take care of your oral hygiene just as you would without the veneers. Brushing teeth with a fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day, flossing, and using a mouthwash can help keep your teeth healthy.

What is there to know more about dental veneers besides caring?

There is much more to discover about this cosmetic dental treatment option. Dental veneers are thin shells made of porcelain or composite resin that are bonded to the front of teeth to enhance their appearance. Dr. Rohan Toor at Rohan S. Toor, DDS is a dentist who specializes in porcelain veneers treatment, a dental procedure that can help improve the appearance of your teeth. Dr. Rohan Toor ensures that patients will leave his office with a better, brighter smile. We can help you with any questions related to porcelain veneers cost with insurance or without it. To schedule an appointment, Call (805) 639-3050.