Long-Term Care Strategies for Dental Veneers
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Veneers are a custom layer of material placed on the front of your teeth, almost like a shell. These cosmetic treatments help hide stains, fill in gaps, correct the shape of teeth, and protect the outer layer from damage.
As with any cosmetic procedure, veneers are an investment and need proper care to last and keep your mouth healthy. These tips will help you care for veneers and enhance your smile long-term.
There are a few types of veneers, including porcelain, composite, no-prep, and snap-on or removable. Some are the more popular choices and last longer than others.
Porcelain veneers are thin, sturdy shells cemented on the surface of your teeth. As it sounds, they’re made of a ceramic material called porcelain. Dental porcelain is a mixture of natural materials, usually glass and sometimes silica and clay.
Porcelain veneers are the most common and often the best choice of veneer. They resist stains, are very strong, and can withstand the force of chewing.
Composite veneers, on the other hand, are made from a composite resin. The resin is the same material your dentist uses to fill cavities, fill in cracks, or bond your teeth. Composite resin combines powdered glass and filler in a plastic resin base.
The material is tooth-colored and fits over your teeth like porcelain veneers. You don’t need as much enamel removed during preparation, and they’re easier to fix than porcelain options. However, they tend not to last as long and are more prone to staining.
No-prep veneers are ultra-thin products that require very little prep to install. These veneers are often feldspathic porcelain materials. Because they’re so thin, your dentist doesn’t need to remove as much enamel from your teeth, making them a little faster and easier to install.
Removable or snap-on veneers are retainers with attached veneers that you take in and out of your mouth. They fit over your teeth and provide a quick change to your appearance, but they’re hard to eat and talk with. These are newer products without much research and are often not recommended.
Veneers typically don’t need much more than the usual care to stay in good shape. In most cases, proper oral hygiene with regular check-ups and cleanings are all you need.
The best way to preserve your veneers is to brush and floss your teeth every day, twice a day. The better you are at good oral hygiene, the healthier your teeth, gums, and veneers will be.
Unlike some dental treatments, like braces, dental veneers don’t require advanced cleaning techniques or special toothbrushes and floss. In general, you can simply brush with fluoride toothpaste, floss morning, night, and after meals, and rinse with fluoride mouthwash. This will help prevent cavities and keep your gums healthy.
Additionally, regular cleanings and exams with your dentist are essential. Aim to see your dentist every six months for a cleaning and once a year for an exam. Cleanings help remove plaque buildup, preventing decay and maintaining healthy gums and teeth. Regular exams also help find dental problems early on before they become serious issues.
A few habits and self-care practices will also help you preserve your veneers, including wearing a mouthguard and avoiding some foods and drinks.
While veneers are sturdy and can withstand a lot of force, they’re not unbreakable. Too much force and injury could cause the materials to chip or break and require repair. To protect your veneers, wear a mouthguard during sports, especially contact sports.
Composite veneers tend to stain more easily than porcelain options, but neither are completely resistant. Some staining can happen from eating or drinking certain foods. For best results, limit dark-colored foods and drinks, especially while wearing composite veneers, including:
Hard, crunchy foods may also chip or break your veneers. Avoid biting into hard candies, nuts like almonds, or popcorn kernels, chewing ice, or cracking shells with your teeth.
Similarly, some personal habits can crack or chip your veneers, like using your teeth as tools or chewing on pens and hard items. Avoid opening packages, pulling tags off clothing, or opening bottles with your teeth.
Proper oral care and long-term veneer maintenance can help you preserve your smile and appearance. With healthy personal habits and food choices, you can keep your teeth fresh and bright for a long while.
However, it’s essential to remember that veneers aren’t necessarily permanent. Porcelain veneers may last from five to 10 years, but each set will eventually need a touch-up or repair to maintain its appearance.
Dental veneers are a simple way to mask flaws and enhance your smile. Different materials and types may last longer than others, but each needs proper care. Our team at Starbody Dental offers porcelain veneers to balance your smile and invigorate your overall appearance.
We use cutting-edge technology and design to match veneers to your teeth, gums, and skin and create a smile that matches your vision. Book an appointment today to discover the process and your options.
Call 615-896-1330 or request an appointment online to set up your first visit. We’ll be in touch soon.
