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Dental veneers are an excellent investment and can last more than a decade with proper care. However, many people who are interested in this cosmetic treatment do not know what needs to be done to keep these enhancements looking their best. Our guide will tell you everything you need to know about how to care for dental veneers and make them last as long as possible.

8 Tips for Maintaining Dental Veneers

1. Maintain Good Oral Hygiene

Veneers can only stay intact if the teeth beneath them are in good condition. Brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes each time. Floss them thoroughly at least once a day. Pay special attention to the margins around your veneers. It is easy for food particles and bacteria to get stuck in these crevices and cause tooth decay.

2. Avoid Hard or Chewy Foods

Hard foods that require some extra effort to chew put pressure on your veneers and may cause them to chip, crack, or break. Avoid eating foods like raw carrots, apples, and crusty bread – especially if you have front teeth veneers. If you choose to have any of these foods, cut them up into small pieces first. Never bite directly into them with your front teeth.

3. Avoid Foods and Beverages That May Stain Your Teeth

Once veneers become stained, it is very difficult (if not impossible) to return them to their original colour. To keep them looking bright, avoid consuming dark-coloured food and drink. Some examples of these items include coffee, tea, grape juice, wine, curry, blueberries, beets, and tomato sauce.

4. Brush and Rinse Regularly

Brushing your teeth after every meal keeps your teeth healthy and prevents the food you eat from staining your veneers. If you cannot brush after a meal or snack, rinse your mouth with alcohol-free mouthwash. Be sure to choose a mouthwash that does not contain dye to avoid discolouring your veneers.

5. Invest in a Mouthguard

Wearing a custom mouthguard during physical activity will protect your dental veneers from being damaged due to injuries. It is also a good idea to wear a mouthguard at night if you grind your teeth in your sleep. Ask your dentist to make you a custom mouthguard that you can wear comfortably whenever you need it.

6. Change Your Toothbrush

Hard-bristled toothbrushes may scratch the surface of your veneers and spoil their cosmetic effect. If you are using a hard-bristled brush, swap it for a soft one. You can use a manual toothbrush or upgrade to an electric toothbrush for extra cleaning power.

7. Avoid Abrasive Dental Products

Some toothpastes contain tiny hard particles that may scratch your veneers. Toothpaste with lots of sodium bicarbonate also tends to stain veneers. Instead, look for a soft gel-based toothpaste that contains sodium fluoride. If you are not sure which toothpaste to use, ask your dentist for guidance.

8. Avoid DIY Treatments

DIY whitening treatments like lemon and baking soda can stain your veneers and may cause enamel erosion around their margins. Instead of taking the risk, consult with your dentist. They can help you whiten your teeth using products and treatments that will not harm your teeth or veneers.

Are Veneers Expensive to Maintain?

Veneers are not expensive to maintain if you take care of your oral health. Most veneers fail due to preventable issues like gum recession and tooth decay. Composite veneers are more likely to sustain premature damage than porcelain or zirconia veneers.

Your dental hygienist will clean your veneers at the same time as your teeth during your routine dental visits. This will take care of many small surface stains that build up on your veneers over time.

Can You Whiten Veneers?

Veneers cannot be whitened using bleaching agents like natural teeth can. Instead, they can be touched up through scaling and polishing. These treatments are not effective for removing very dark stains, especially if they have been there for a long time. It is best to avoid staining your veneers in the first place.

Maintaining Stain-Free Veneers

There are a few things you can do to keep your veneers looking as bright white as possible.

Gentle Brushing

You will need to be very gentle when you brush your teeth after getting your veneers. Brush in small circular motions, gradually moving across each tooth and making sure to clean all the way to the gumline. If you have difficulty knowing how much pressure to apply, consider investing in an electronic toothbrush. Many models have built-in pressure sensitivity and will light up if you are brushing too hard.

Polishing Toothpaste

Some companies make special toothpaste that polishes the surface of veneers while cleaning your teeth. Switching to one of these pastes will keep most stains from building up on your veneers, reducing the chance that they will be permanently damaged.

No Smoking

Smoking will make your veneers look stained and dull. If you smoke, consider quitting or cutting down on the number of times you smoke per day. You will not only extend the life of your veneers but also improve your oral and physical health.

Frequent Dental Visits

Seeing your dentist every six months for routine checkups and cleanings will give them a chance to assess your dental health and the integrity of your veneers over time.

If you are developing problems like tooth decay or gum disease, your dentist may be able to treat them before your veneers are compromised. Your dental team will also polish your veneers during your cleaning, keeping them attractive and bright.

How Do You Whiten Veneers?

If you want to whiten your veneers, your only option is to visit your dentist for a professional cleaning. Bleaching products that whiten natural teeth do not work on veneers. Instead, your dentist or dental hygienist will use special high-powered tools to scrub the surface stains off your veneers.

Visit the Best Dentist for Porcelain Veneers in Mississauga

Keeping your dental veneers in good condition is easy with an expert dental team on your side. Trillium Smile Dentistry is one of the best dental offices in Mississauga for porcelain and composite veneers. Our team is happy to answer any questions you have about this procedure, including what porcelain veneers cost in Mississauga. Contact us today to book your consultation appointment and get started.

Also Read: How to Take Care of Your Dental Veneers