Do You Have To Brush Veneers?

Veneers are one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures because they are less invasive than crowns and more durable than a simple composite filling. Read on to see how to care for veneers to keep them shiny and strong for a longer time.

Types of Veneers

Veneers are typically made from dental porcelain or composite resin. Porcelain veneers are more expensive but provide a very natural-looking shine and translucency, they don’t stain and will last longer. Composite veneers are a great option if your budget is limited, but they can stain just like your natural teeth do, and will need to be replaced sooner.

Why It’s Important to Keep Veneers Clean

Taking care of your veneers, no matter what material they are made of is crucial for a good look and a healthy mouth. If your oral hygiene is lagging behind, you might have the unpleasant surprise of getting a cavity in the tooth beneath the veneer. The porcelain or resin that veneers are made of only covers the front part of your teeth. The natural tissue underneath can still be attacked by bacteria, so keep your oral hygiene top-notch.

How to Care for Veneers: To Brush or Not to Brush?

To ensure that your veneers and your natural teeth look their best, preserve their qualities and last longer, brush and floss at least twice a day.

There is no reason for you to avoid brushing your veneers. As long as you are using a soft-bristled brush and non-abrasive toothpaste, you should keep brushing your teeth twice a day to keep bacteria from forming deposits on your teeth and veneers.

Besides flossing and brushing, it’s important to make healthy choices when it comes to your diet, and avoid biting on hard things. Stay away from sticky foods, especially sweets and starches. Also, if you have composite resin veneers, you can expect them to stain just like natural teeth do.

To avoid staining, try not to keep staining foods and beverages to a minimum: curry, soy sauce, cola, tea, coffee, red wine, tomato sauce, etc. Also, quitting smoking will significantly reduce staining.

How to Repair Stained Veneers

If you do notice stains or discoloration on your veneers, book a visit to your cosmetic dentist. A professional cleaning can solve superficial stains and give your mouth a much better overall look. But if your veneers are too damaged or approaching the end of their lifespan, you will need replacement. While veneers do need replacement after 10-15 years, they are an irreversible procedure and you will need to get new ones.

If you are interested in getting veneers or you want to have existing ones checked, please book an appointment with Dr. Shahriela Ganjoor at Modern Bite Dentistry. Our cabinet is fully equipped for the best cosmetic procedures, and you will get the perfect smile you want.