How to Care for Veneers

Veneers are an easy, effective way to get the smile you’ve always wanted. They can fill gaps in your smile, hide discoloration, and transform worn-down or misshapen teeth. However, once they’re in place, it’s up to you to care for your veneers and keep them looking beautiful. 

Dr. Padmaja Yalamanchili of Fairfax Family Dentist in Fairfax, Virginia, can consult with you about the possibility of getting veneers and guide you in their ongoing care.

Caring for veneers

Veneers don’t require a lot of additional care to maintain, but you need to take good care of your teeth to ensure that your veneers last as long as possible.  

Maintain good dental hygiene 

Caring for veneers is much like caring for your teeth normally, but you need to be thorough and consistent with your dental routine. Veneers act as shields for your actual teeth, but bacteria and plaque can still build up and harm your teeth and gums. If you develop periodontitis, this can cause your gums to recede and affect the appearance of your veneers. 

While porcelain veneers are stain-resistant, they are not stain-proof. If you don’t brush regularly and rinse after consuming staining agents like wine and coffee, you might see some discoloration over time. 

Be careful with your teeth

This goes for everyone, but especially people with veneers. Avoid chewing on things like pens and ice cubes, and don’t bite down on foods like bones and hard candy. Do not use your teeth as tools to rip open packages, and stop biting your nails. All of these things can chip your veneers and your actual teeth, so be careful what you put in your mouth. 

Get a night guard 

Plenty of people suffer from bruxism, a condition that causes you to grind your teeth. If you think you have bruxism, ask us about a night guard. Once you have been prescribed a night guard, make sure to wear it every night to avoid wearing down or chipping your veneers. 

Visit your dentist regularly 

This is especially important if you want to maintain your veneers. Your dentist will be able to identify problems before they have time to affect your smile, and they can help keep your veneers looking clean and white. 

How long do veneers last? 

This depends on you. The average lifespan for porcelain veneers is about 10 years, but proper maintenance can make them last even longer. Likewise, poor dental hygiene can shorten the life of your veneers. However, as long as you keep your teeth and gums healthy and visit your dentist regularly, you can expect your veneers to last for years to come. 

Interested in getting veneers? Dr. Yalamanchili can explain the process in detail and help you build your perfect smile. To schedule a consultation, call 703-213-5313, or visit the contact page for more options.