Veneers

How To Clean Veneers? Steps You Should Follow

February 23, 2024
veneers
H

ow to clean veneers?

Veneers are a fantastic way to achieve a flawless smile. These thin shells of porcelain or composite resin are bonded to the front surface of your teeth, instantly transforming your smile by concealing chips, cracks, discoloration, or misalignment. But just like natural teeth, veneers require proper care to maintain their beauty and longevity.

At Perfect White Smile, we want to help you get the most out of your veneers. This blog post will guide you through the essential steps on how to clean veneers effectively, ensuring your dazzling smile stays bright and healthy for years to come.

Can You Whiten Discolored Veneers?

Over time, cheaper dental veneers may stain, unlike porcelain veneers, which resist discoloration exceptionally well. If considering teeth whitening due to adjacent teeth becoming discolored, various factors such as diet, aging, genetics, and oral hygiene may contribute. However, at-home whitening methods aren't effective for veneers.

Consulting a dentist for professional treatment is crucial. They may recommend a comprehensive whitening procedure followed by a new veneer matched to neighboring teeth. By maintaining excellent oral hygiene, you can enjoy the pristine appearance of your veneers and natural teeth for years.

How to Clean Veneers?

Regular maintenance is vital to ensure the cleanliness and longevity of your veneers, but these delicate coverings demand a bit more attention compared to your natural teeth.

Use Soft-Bristle Toothbrush

Opt for a soft-bristle toothbrush when cleaning your veneers. These thin enamel coatings are more susceptible to scratches than your natural teeth, so steer clear of brushes with hard bristles. Consider upgrading to an electric toothbrush with soft bristles for better control over pressure, reducing the risk of gum irritation.

Use a Non-Abrasive Toothpaste

Select a non-abrasive toothpaste, especially one recommended by your cosmetic dentist specifically formulated for veneers. Avoid abrasive toothpaste variants, such as those containing baking soda or hydrogen peroxide, to prevent potential damage to your veneers.

Brush & Floss Gently

Be gentle in your brushing and flossing techniques. Avoid aggressive motions that could chip or harm your veneers. Your dentist should provide you with detailed instructions on proper brushing and flossing techniques following the placement of your veneers. Once again, an electric toothbrush with soft bristles can be advantageous in this regard.

Use Alcohol-Free Mouthwash

Incorporate an alcohol-free mouthwash into your oral hygiene routine after brushing. A high-quality antiseptic mouthwash can effectively combat plaque, ward off gum disease, and maintain the brightness of your veneers. However, alcohol-based mouthwashes should be avoided as they can weaken the bonding agents and hasten the deterioration of your veneers. Opt for alcohol-free alternatives for optimal maintenance and longevity of your veneers.

By adhering to these expert tips for porcelain veneer care, you can uphold their brilliance and durability, ensuring your smile remains radiant for years to come. For personalized guidance and comprehensive dental care, schedule regular visits with your trusted dental professional. Your journey to a flawless smile begins with proactive maintenance and professional oversight.

How to Care for Veneers?

Ensuring the longevity of your porcelain veneers hinges on diligent routine maintenance. Merely undertaking deep-cleaning endeavors won’t suffice if you’re not already committed to daily care for your veneers.

  • Regular brushing and flossing: After the placement of your veneers, it’s crucial to remain vigilant about brushing and flossing after each meal, or at least twice daily. Proactive oral hygiene helps stave off gum disease, a condition that could lead to gum recession and potential veneer damage. For comprehensive guidance on veneer care, delve into the following section.
  • Stop using tobacco products: Cigarettes and other tobacco indulgences are notorious for fostering unsightly yellow stains. While porcelain resists staining, prolonged exposure to tobacco can compromise the veneers, particularly the bonding material used for adhesion.
  • Exercise moderation in alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol intake can weaken the bonding composites, rendering the bonding line susceptible to staining and degradation.
  • Be cautious with hard foods: While crunchy delicacies like tortilla chips and cereals are generally safe, habits like chewing ice, hard candy, or even pencils pose a risk of chipping or damaging porcelain veneers.
  • Stop teeth grinding and clenching: These habitual actions can gradually wear down veneers and cause porcelain damage over time. Wearing a mouthguard while sleeping can mitigate grinding tendencies.
  • Keep up with regular dental visits: Professional cleanings every six months and yearly examinations are essential for maintaining the impeccable condition of your veneers.

With meticulous care, it’s entirely feasible for veneers to endure up to 15 years or beyond, preserving your smile's radiance for years to come.

Conclusion

While it might appear straightforward, caring for your veneers is paramount. It's crucial to uphold dental hygiene, including regular teeth cleaning, and steer clear of staining culprits like red wine and acidic substances. Equally important is safeguarding the integrity of your veneer materials. These simple practices not only extend the lifespan of your veneers but also enhance the natural allure of your smile.

At Perfect White Smile, we're committed to helping our patients maintain optimal oral health and achieve the beautiful smiles they deserve. Contact us today to schedule your next dental appointment and learn more about our comprehensive dental services.

FAQs

Can plaque build up on veneers?

Although veneers are resilient, they can still accumulate plaque and tartar, similar to your natural teeth. Therefore, maintaining a consistent dental hygiene routine is crucial. While veneers themselves are resistant to decay, the natural teeth beneath them remain susceptible to cavities.

What happens to your teeth after years of veneers?

Over time, wearing veneers can sometimes lead to changes in your natural teeth. These changes might manifest as tooth decay, gum recession, or variations in tooth color. It's crucial to uphold excellent oral hygiene practices and attend routine dental check-ups to safeguard the health of your teeth and prolong the lifespan of your veneers.

Do celebrities get veneers or lumineers?

Celebrities overwhelmingly prefer porcelain veneers to achieve flawless smiles, praising their unparalleled natural look and exceptional durability.

How Can We Help

The smile of your dreams starts with a consultation.

Located in Beverly Hills Perfect White Smile creates the world's most beautiful smiles and relieves patients of TMJ symptoms. Many times, both can be achieved at the same time in the same procedure!

Book Now
Start