Many people choose to get porcelain veneers because of the long lifespan they have (before needing to be replaced) and the beautiful smile results they achieve. Veneers that are well looked after can last decades! Here’s everything you need to know about how to take care of veneers so that they last as long as possible.
1. Caring for veneers is as easy as caring for natural teeth
Our dentists in Ivanhoe are often asked questions like ‘what kind of maintenance do veneers need’ and whether or not it is hard to do. The great news is, the answer is no – it isn’t difficult at all compared to caring for natural teeth. Both composite and porcelain veneer maintenance generally do not require extra time or any extra products or practices.
2. Practice good oral hygiene to keep veneers clean
How do you keep veneers clean? Many patients are pleased to find that keeping veneers clean is as easy as keeping up with the daily oral hygiene habits you already practice. This means:
- Brushing your veneer teeth at least twice a day
- Flossing daily
- Using a high-quality mouthwash that is alcohol-free
A major benefit of getting porcelain veneers is that they are naturally stain-resistant. This is due to porcelain being a high-quality material that is not as porous as alternatives. While it is NOT an excuse to be more lax about your daily brushing and flossing, it does mean that they will not stain as easily as natural teeth. Some patients actually get veneers for this reason, for a brighter and whiter smile!
3. Seek treatment for teeth-grinding (Bruxism)
Teeth grinding and jaw-clenching over time can damage veneers and cause them to wear down quicker. A lot of the time, people who grind their teeth are not aware of it as it can occur at night while asleep.
If you notice soreness around your muscles when waking up or suspect you may be grinding your teeth, seek a dental appointment as soon as you can. Dentists are able to notice early signs of wear, assess the condition and provide treatments such as Occlusal Splints and Nightguards.
4. Maintain a healthy diet
Of course, our dentists will always recommend maintaining a nutritious diet and healthy lifestyle for your overall wellbeing. For patients with veneers, paying a little bit more attention to some aspects of your diet can help extend the lifespan of your veneers and prevent damage. This can include simple actions such as:
- Limit alcohol consumption as it can weaken bonding material and cause veneers to wear out
- Reduce sugar intake to prevent the build-up of plaque and bacteria
- Avoid chewing ice or rock-hard food as they can wear down veneers and potentially cause damage
5. Keep up with your routine dental check-ups
Getting regular dental check-ups is important for everyone, including people with veneers. The dentist will be able to ensure that your veneers and dental health remain in good condition and flag potential issues early before they cause lasting damage. If you want your veneers to last as long as possible, do not skip your dental check-ups every six months.
Learn More About Caring For Veneers: Contact Our Dentists in Ivanhoe
If there’s anything else you’d like to know about veneers and how to best care for them, contact our Ivanhoe dental clinic, Dentists of Ivanhoe on (03) 9499 9033 or online and our friendly team will be happy to help. Our practice offers a range of cosmetic dental treatments, including high-quality porcelain dental veneers in Ivanhoe. To get an idea of the smile results that can be achieved with veneers, view our smile gallery on our website and select the ‘Composite & Porcelain Veneers’ option.
