How to Make your Veneers Last as Long as Possible

Veneers can give nearly any patient a smile they can feel confident in within as few as two appointments! Whether you’re dealing with cracks, chips, discoloration, or misalignment, veneers can completely transform your smile.

However, like any precious item, your veneers require a little bit of upkeep in order to look their best. Here are a few things you can do to keep your veneers in top shape.

Watch Out for Grinding

Grinding teeth, also known as bruxism, is both incredibly common and puts enormous pressure on the teeth. Those who deal with chronic bruxism could potentially chip or crack their veneers, so it’s often recommended that they get treated for the condition beforehand.

This can be as simple as getting a sleep guard to protect your veneers or could involve an oral appliance that treats the underlying causes of bruxism. Some dentists even offer Botox treatments to relax the muscles in the face that cause bruxism.

Be Careful What You Eat

The porcelain that veneers are made out of is incredibly durable, but you can still crack them if you bite down on the wrong thing. If you want your veneers to last, it’s a good idea to avoid foods that could damage them, like hard candy.

It’s also important to not put things in your mouth that aren’t food. Chewing ice, munching on chicken bones, or using your veneers to open packages can all put your cosmetics at serious risk.

Keep Up with Dental Hygiene

Of course, the most important thing you can do to protect your veneers is to keep up with your dental hygiene. Veneers use your natural teeth for support, which means that gum disease and tooth decay can both put your cosmetics at risk.

It’s important to brush your veneers twice a day and floss them daily to keep them free of plaque and discoloration. However, it’s worth noting that abrasive and whitening toothpaste can both damage the porcelain on your veneers. Make sure to brush with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush.

While it’s important to keep these things in mind, you don’t have to worry all that much about your veneers. Decades of research have gone into making them as long-lasting as possible, so if you take basic care of them, you can expect your cosmetics to endure for years to come.

About the Author

Dr. George Stoddard has been a practicing dentist for over 25 years. To him, it never gets old seeing nervous patients leave his office with a beautiful smile and newfound confidence. Dr. Stoddard received his DDS from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio and completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry at the LSU School of Dentistry.

If you have any questions about how to properly maintain your veneers, he can be reached at his website or by phone at (903) 753-9758.