How To Care for Your New Veneers: Tips from a San Jose Dentist

Are you excited about your new dental veneers? This cosmetic treatment can transform your smile, offering a natural, radiant look. As dental professionals, we know how important it is to achieve both a beautiful cosmetic dental result and to maintain that perfect-looking smile. If you currently wear, or are interested in wearing, veneers, you must take the time to learn how to care for them so you can maintain that beautiful smile for as long as possible while keeping your oral health optimal.

This guide will provide you with the best ways to care for and maintain your veneers, helpful daily care tips, and guidance on how to expect to adjust to your new smile.

What Are Veneers and Why Should You Care for Them?

Veneers are thin, custom-designed shells made from either porcelain or composite resin that are adhered to the front surface of your teeth. They are designed to cover imperfections on your teeth, such as yellowed or discolored teeth, chipped teeth, or spaces between your teeth, resulting in a more uniform, straighter-looking smile. Although dental veneers are very strong and durable, it is essential that you properly care for them to ensure both their strength and long-term durability.

As with any cosmetic dental procedure, your cosmetic dentist in San Jose, CA will tell you that proper care is key to the longevity of your veneers. Thankfully, maintaining them is simple when you follow these easy tips and guidelines.

Best Practices for Maintaining Your Veneers

1. Practice Good Oral Hygiene

Oral hygiene is essential for anyone with veneers, as it is for any other type of dental work. Just because your teeth have a covering does not mean you can neglect your oral hygiene routine. This is what you must do:

• Brush twice daily: Be sure to brush very gently with a soft-bristle toothbrush in a circular motion. You should not scratch your veneers by brushing too hard with a hard-bristle toothbrush.
• Non-abrasive toothpaste: Do not use toothpaste that contains heavy abrasives or tooth whiteners. These can cause damage to your veneer over time. Use fluoride toothpaste to help protect your natural teeth and gums.
• Floss daily: Flossing removes plaque and food particles that may be trapped between your teeth, helping prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

2. Avoid Staining Foods and Drinks

Although porcelain veneers are stain-resistant, the adhesive used to bond the veneer could, over time, stain. You should limit your intake of the following:

• Coffee
• Tea
• Red wine
• Dark berries
• Soy sauce

If you consume any of the above items, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water. Rinsing may help prevent staining.

3. Don’t Use Your Teeth as Tools

Though it is tempting to use your teeth to open packages or bottles, it can damage your veneers. Although they last a long time, they’re not invincible. Biting hard on hard materials can leave cracks or chips. Use your teeth to eat and chew food, and nothing else.

4. Avoid Grinding or Clenching Your Teeth

If you grind your teeth in your sleep, it is essential to take precautions. Frequent grinding can damage your veneers. Wearing a nightguard can protect both your veneers and your natural teeth from the pressure and damage caused by grinding.

5. Regular Visits to the Dentist

Regular check-ups with your cosmetic dentist in San Jose, CA, help ensure your veneers and oral health remain in good condition. By visiting your dentist, any damage to the veneers can be checked. Additionally, your veneers can be professionally cleaned to brighten them.

What to Expect After Getting Veneers

It may take a few days to get used to your veneers. You can expect this.

• Sensitivity: You might experience some slight sensitivity to hot and cold drinks for a short period. It’s expected while your gums are getting used to the veneers.
• Comfort: While veneers are custom-fit to your teeth, it may take a few days to get used to the feel fully.
• Care Routine: After receiving your veneers, you must follow the recommended care routine to prevent damage. Your cosmetic dentist in San Jose, CA, will provide personalized guidelines to ensure you’re taking the best possible care.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

If you pay attention to how you care for your veneers, it should be easy to keep them as long as possible. A couple of common mistakes people make when caring for their veneers can shorten their lifespan. For example, 

• Brushing your teeth too hard can wear away the outer surface of your veneer. When brushing your teeth, be sure always to use gentle strokes. 
• Chewing on hard materials, such as ice, pen caps, or even fingernails, can cause tiny cracks or chips in the surface of your veneers. 
• Don’t ignore regular dental visits. They are vital for maintaining your veneers, as a dentist can spot problems arising from improper maintenance before they become more severe.

Conclusion: Keeping Your Smile Radiant

By following the recommendations mentioned throughout this blog, you’ll be able to keep your smile looking great for years to come! A well-maintained veneer will provide you with an attractive, durable option. Your cosmetic dentist is here to answer any questions you may have about caring for your veneers and schedule your next appointment.

At Almaden Valley Smile Design, we strive to deliver top-notch services to help you maintain a healthy, radiant smile! Whether it’s a simple touch-up of your veneers or merely a standard cleaning, we will do everything possible to keep your dental health at its peak.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment or consultation. 

FAQs

1. How long do dental veneers last?

With proper care and maintenance, your veneer can last up to fifteen years and beyond. A meaningful way to maximize the longevity of your veneer is to see your dentist regularly and avoid harmful oral habits.

2. Can I whiten my veneers?

While most dental veneers are designed not to stain, they cannot be whitened using the same techniques that may be effective on the natural tooth. If you notice discoloration developing on your veneers, the best course of action is to consult your dentist about having them professionally cleaned or replaced.

3. Will I feel pain after getting veneers?

After placement, mild sensitivity is common and should fully subside within a few days. If sensitivity occurs after this period, contact your dentist immediately.

4. Are veneers reversible?

Unfortunately, the answer is no. To ensure a proper fit, your dentist will need to remove a minimal amount of your tooth’s enamel before placing your veneers.

5. Can I eat anything with veneers?

Although dental veneers are incredibly sturdy, you should avoid chewing hard items, such as nuts and ice, as doing so could potentially result in damage to your dental veneers.

6. How can I prevent my veneers from getting damaged?

You can help reduce the likelihood of damage to your dental veneers by avoiding chewing on hard objects, not folding or grinding your teeth, and avoiding foods that could stain your veneers. You can also help keep your dental veneers in good condition by regularly visiting your dentist for check-ups.

7. Can I use a teeth whitening product with veneers?

Using a teeth-whitening product on your dental veneers is not recommended, as the likelihood of achieving a whitening effect or damaging the veneer surfaces is relatively low. Your dentist should have more information about alternative product use.