A Step-by-Step Guide to Proper Dental Veneers Aftercare: Follow These Simple Tips to Maintain A Radiant Smile

If your teeth look dull and worn down, or certain imperfections prevent you from smiling confidently, it’s time for a smile makeover.

Dental veneers can help transform your smile from dull to dazzling. They are thin shells made of porcelain or composite material, securely bonded to your teeth using bonding cement. This dental restoration option is used to address various dental imperfections, including discolouration, chips, gaps and misalignment.

However, getting veneers is just half of the journey toward a beautiful smile. After the veneers are placed, it’s important to take good care of them.

Proper veneer care is key to the success and longevity of dental veneers. To get the most out of your investment, we’ve put together this guide on everything you need to do to properly care for your dental veneers. Here, you will find essential tips on dental veneer maintenance, such as post-veneers hygiene, brushing and flossing techniques, dietary advice, and more.

Read on to learn what to do when caring for your beautiful new smile!

Blog Navigation

Summary of the Article
Understanding the Veneer Procedure
What to Expect Before the Procedure
What to Expect After the Procedure
Preparing for Veneer Aftercare
What to Avoid After Getting Veneers
The Importance of Good Oral Hygiene for Veneer Maintenance
Proper Brushing Techniques for Veneers
The Best Types of Toothbrushes and Toothpastes for Veneer Care
Frequency of Follow-up Visits to the Dentist After Receiving Veneers
The Risks of Not Following Proper Veneer Aftercare
How to Clean and Care for Temporary Veneers
Tips for Protecting Veneers from Stains and Discolouration
How to Handle Emergency Situations with Veneers
Final Thoughts

Summary of the Article

The dental veneer process involves removing a small amount of enamel from the tooth surface, taking an impression of the prepared area and bonding a veneer to it.
Before getting veneers, patients must have their teeth examined by a dentist.
After receiving dental veneers, some tenderness and discomfort may be experienced.
Proper aftercare instructions must also be followed.
Proper brushing techniques should be employed.
Electric toothbrushes and soft-bristled manual toothbrushes are recommended.
Non-abrasive toothpaste should be used.
Not following proper aftercare instructions increases the risks of veneer damage and gum disease.
For temporary veneer care: brush & floss twice daily; avoid hard foods; use soft-bristled toothbrushes & non-abrasive toothpaste.
Avoid staining substances like coffee, tea, and red wine.
Avoid smoking or chewing tobacco products.
In case of breakage or chipping, save the fragments and contact your dentist immediately.
If experiencing pain from veneers, do not attempt self-adjustment.

Understanding the Veneer Procedure

Understanding the veneer procedure is essential before taking the plunge. It can help alleviate anxiety and uncertainty about what to expect during the entire process.

The veneer procedure usually involves a multi-step process depending on the type of veneer used. The process involves:

Removing a thin layer of enamel from the tooth surface
Taking an impression of the prepared teeth and sending the mould to the laboratory for veneer fabrication
Bonding the dental veneers to the front surface of the teeth

Depending on the veneer type, the entire process can take anywhere from one to three appointments.

What to Expect Before the Procedure

Before the procedure, you will meet with your dentist for a consultation. They will examine your mouth and teeth and ask about your medical history. They may also take dental X-rays and other imaging tests to determine if you are a suitable candidate for veneers.

For patients with good oral health, professional cleaning before the procedure will be enough. However, those with underlying oral problems such as gum disease and tooth decay cannot proceed with veneers until their conditions are addressed.

Also, take note that there will be a 1-2 week waiting period between taking the mould after tooth preparation and installation of the veneers. This is to be expected for porcelain veneers but not for composite veneers.

What to Expect After the Procedure

After the procedure, you may experience some tenderness and discomfort. This is normal and should subside on its own. Your dentist will give you instructions for proper veneer care and post-veneer hygiene.

They may also prescribe pain relief medications for your comfort or suggest that you use a mouth guard to protect your teeth when engaging in sports. As part of dental veneer maintenance, you will need to have regular dental appointments for checkups and dental cleaning. You must also follow a strict oral hygiene routine at home. This will help with extending the longevity of your veneers.

Preparing for Veneer Aftercare

Employing proper aftercare is needed to maintain the natural appearance of your veneers. Your dentist can provide you with personalised instructions that pertain to your treatment.

Factors influencing your aftercare instructions may include your age, health, location, occupation, and lifestyle habits. You should discuss these instructions with your dentist and be transparent about what you don’t understand. Ask questions if you need clarification or further information. This will enable you to care for your veneers effectively and maintain their condition.

What to Avoid After Getting Veneers

After you’ve invested time and money into getting veneers, you’d want to make them last as long as possible. Knowing what to avoid is crucial in dental veneer maintenance. To make sure your veneers stay bright and natural-looking, keep these tips in mind:

Avoid staining foods and drinks:
Staining foods and drinks such as coffee, tea, red wine, and berries can discolour your veneers over time. While it’s not necessary to completely avoid them, it’s a good idea to consume them in moderation and rinse your mouth with water afterwards. You can also use a straw when drinking to minimise contact with your veneers.
Don’t bite or chew hard objects:
Biting or chewing hard objects such as ice, pens, and fingernails can cause chips or cracks in your veneers. Additionally, if you participate in contact sports, it’s important to wear a mouthguard to protect your veneers from any impact.
Avoid using your teeth as tools:
Using your teeth to open packages or bite off tags can put unnecessary pressure on your veneers, causing them to crack or chip. As such, avoid using your teeth as tools.
Don’t skip oral hygiene:
While veneers can’t decay, the underlying teeth and gums can still be susceptible to decay and gum disease. It’s important to brush and floss your teeth regularly and visit your dentist for checkups and cleanings.
Avoid grinding your teeth:
Grinding your teeth can cause damage to your veneers and also lead to jaw pain and headaches. If you grind your teeth at night, talk to your dentist about getting a mouthguard to protect your teeth and veneers.
Don’t smoke:
Smoking can cause discolouration and staining of your veneers, as well as increase your risk of gum disease and other oral health issues. If you smoke, quitting can help preserve the appearance and health of your veneer.

Taking care of what you consume and what you do with your mouth can guarantee that your beautiful smile stays radiant for many years.

The Importance of Good Oral Hygiene for Veneer Maintenance

Post-veneer hygiene is important for longevity. This includes:

Brushing and flossing regularly:
You should brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and floss daily. Use circular motions when brushing and gliding motions when flossing. Use non-abrasive toothpaste to avoid scratching the veneers.
Using a fluoride-based mouthwash:
A fluoride-based mouthwash can help strengthen your teeth, protecting them from further damage and staining.
Visiting your dentist regularly:
It is important to visit your dentist every six months for regular checkups, so your dentist can monitor the status of your veneers.

Following these simple practices for good oral hygiene will help keep your veneers looking strong and healthy for a long time.

Proper Brushing Techniques for Veneers

Proper brushing techniques are integral to keeping veneers in top condition. For proper veneer care and to maintain good oral health, here are a few brushing techniques you can follow:

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush. This can help minimise scratches and wear on your veneers that could potentially lead to other dental issues.
Aim the bristles of your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle toward the gumlines. Use a circular motion, doing short strokes along the gum line to remove plaque buildup.
Make sure not to press too hard when brushing. Pressing too hard can cause dents or chips in the veneers, which can be difficult or costly to repair.

Don’t forget to get regular professional cleanings as recommended by your dentist. They are essential for the proper care of both natural teeth and veneers.

The Best Types of Toothbrushes and Toothpastes for Veneer Care

Electric toothbrushes are usually recommended for dental veneers. They can help remove more plaque and debris than manual toothbrushes.

If you don’t have an electric toothbrush, using a soft-bristled toothbrush will do. Soft bristles are good because they can remove plaque while still being gentle on your veneer.

As for toothpaste, it’s safe to use the non-abrasive kind. Stay away from those that contain harsh granules that can scratch the veneer’s surface. This can cause the veneers to lose their glazing, which keeps them from staining.

Frequency of Follow-up Visits to the Dentist After Receiving Veneers

It’s important to visit your dentist twice yearly for routine checkups and cleanings, especially if you’ve had veneers. Your dentist will be able to check the condition of your veneers and make sure they’re not damaged or stained.

Your dentist can also perform a professional cleaning that can remove plaque from areas that are difficult for toothbrushes and floss to reach. This can help prevent gum disease, which can cause receding gums and damage to the underlying structure of your teeth.

The Risks of Not Following Proper Veneer Aftercare

If you’ve recently had veneers placed, it’s critical to follow the aftercare instructions provided by your dentist. Not following proper veneer aftercare exposes you to risks such as:

Increased chances of having stained or chipped veneers
Developing decay along the gum line, which can lead to gum disease
Potential damage or decay to the underlying tooth structure

Veneers can greatly improve one’s smile and oral health. However, if they are not taken care of properly, the risks of damage, cavities and discolouration increase significantly.

How to Clean and Care for Temporary Veneers

Temporary veneers are used to protect your teeth while you wait for your dental veneers to be made. They are usually made from acrylic and are designed to protect your prepared teeth. Temporary veneers are not durable, and they require proper care, so they’ll remain in good condition until your dental veneers are placed. Here are some tips on how to clean and care for temporary veneers:

Brush and floss your teeth as you normally would. Be gentle around the temporary veneers to avoid dislodging them.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste to avoid scratching the surface of the temporary veneers.
Avoid hard and sticky foods that can dislodge or damage the temporary veneers. Stick to a soft diet and avoid biting directly into hard foods.
Rinse your mouth with water after eating to remove any food particles that may be stuck around the temporary veneers.
Avoid using teeth whitening products while you have temporary veneers, as they can damage the acrylic material and cause discolouration.
Tobacco products can stain and discolour temporary veneers. Avoid using them while you have temporary veneers.
Be gentle when handling your temporary veneers. Avoid biting your nails, using your teeth as tools, or grinding your teeth.

Take care of your temporary veneers to preserve their appearance, and make sure you’re getting the most out of them while they last.

Tips for Protecting Veneers from Stains and Discolouration

Although porcelain veneers are resistant to staining, the cement used to bond them to the teeth can become discoloured over time, which can cause the veneers to change in colour from underneath. Similarly, composite veneers can also become discoloured. Therefore, it is crucial to take proactive measures to safeguard veneers against staining and discolouration. Here’s what you can do.

Avoid staining substances like coffee, tea, and red wine.
Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to keep your veneers clean and free from plaque buildup.
Floss at least once daily to remove plaque and food particles that may become stuck between the veneers.
Use a mouthwash or rinse after brushing to help reduce bacteria that could cause discolouration of the veneers.
Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings.
Protect your teeth and gums by avoiding smoking or chewing tobacco products.

Keeping these tips in mind can go a long way toward maintaining the aesthetics and longevity of your precious veneers.

How to Handle Emergency Situations with Veneers

If you break or chip a veneer, try to save as much of the fragment as possible and keep it in a safe place. Contact your dentist as soon as possible so that they can assess the damage and determine if any repairs or replacements are necessary.

In case of dental discomfort or pain from your veneers, visit your dentist immediately. Your dentist may be able to provide relief by adjusting the bite, using a soft nightguard, or other means.

Do not attempt self-adjustment at home. This could potentially cause more harm than good.

Final Thoughts

Dental veneers are an investment. As such, it is important that you take good care of them. Not only will you get your money’s worth, but you’ll also reap the benefits that come with having dental veneers. Make sure to clean them regularly using non-abrasive products.

We hope this post has helped you understand why caring for your dental veneers is so important. If you need help on how to care for your one-of-a-kind smile, our friendly dentists here at Maylands Dental Centre can answer all of your questions. Book an appointment online or call us today!