Veneers are a big investment in not only your appearance and smile but also your oral health, porcelain Veneers can last on average between 10 to 17 years, or even longer when cared for. To assist in extending the life of your porcelain Veneers, it’s vital that you care for them! Follow our below tips to ensure your Veneers best chance at longevity.
Avoid chewing hard foods or objects
Veneers are quite durable and eating regular foods should be fine, however, chewing on excessively hard foods, or items can cause direct pressure to Veneers and therefore may cause the Veneers to chip or crack.
CosMediSmile Dental Specialists recommend to avoiding chewing excessively hard foods such as large nuts, raw carrots, ice, hard candy and bones, etc. If you would still like to eat nuts and raw carrots, it is best to cut them into small bite sized pieces.
This also applies to chewing on hard objects such as pens, pencils, drink bottles or opening things with your teeth, as this can also damage Veneers. If a Veneer is damaged, it will require replacing.
Avoid drinks or foods that stain your teeth
Although porcelain Veneers are stain resistant, just like your natural teeth, over time certain foods and drinks may cause discolouration or stain your teeth. To maintain your bright, white Veneers shade, CosMediSmile Dental Specialists recommend limiting red wine, tea, coffee, soy sauce, dark beer, cranberry juice, red cordial, dark coloured soft drink and berries.Â
If you would still like to consume these foods or drinks, knowing the potential risk of discolouration, it is recommended to consume them through a straw to limit the direct contact with your Veneers and optimally limit stains and discolouration from occurring.
Avoid Smoking Cigarettes
Cigarette tobacco contains harmful chemicals such as nicotine and tar, which can cause yellow or brown discolouration to both natural teeth or Veneers. To keep Veneers in pristine condition, CosMediSmile Dental Specialists recommend clients consider quitting prior to having Veneers fitted, or cutting down on cigarette intake where possible.
Use a soft bristle toothbrush
Brushing your Veneers with a hard bristled toothbrush or aggressively brushing your Veneers may cause damage the top polish layer of your porcelain Veneers. Therefore CosMediSmile Dental Specialists recommend brushing your Veneers with non abrasive toothpaste and a soft bristle toothbrush post Veneer treatment.
Avoid Teeth Grinding
Teeth grinding, also known as Bruxism is the condition of excess grinding of the teeth or clenching of the jaw, most commonly whilst asleep. The excessive pressure from grinding Veneers or clenching of the jaw, can cause damage to Veneers, in the form of stress cracks or chipping.
Included within our Veneers packages is a protective mouthguard. CosMediSmile Dental Specialists recommend wearing this protective mouthguard whilst sleeping, to ensure your Veneers are protected from any potential grinding of the Veneers or clenching of the jaw.
Practise a high standard of oral hygiene
Veneers do not stop the buildup of plaque or bacteria which can result in tooth decay or gum disease. Therefore maintaining a regimented and consistent oral hygiene routine is vital when ensuring the longevity of Veneers. A good oral hygiene routine includes brushing twice daily, (with a non-abrasive toothpaste and soft bristle toothbrush), flossing once daily and rinsing with an alcohol-free antiseptic mouthwash, once or twice a day.
Protect your smile with a mouthguard
Playing team sports and performing physical activities are an important part of a healthy lifestyle, high contact sports such as football, basketball and other ball sports may affect your Veneers. For peace of mind and to protect your Veneers from potential trauma, CosMediSmile Dental Specialists recommend investing in a good quality mouthguard.
Limit your consumption of alcohol
Excess amounts of alcohol can soften, weaken and even erode the dental bonding agent used to secure Veneers to the natural teeth. CosMediSmile Dental Specialists advise not to consume excess amounts of alcohol post Veneer treatment. Dark alcohols such as red wine, dark beers, dark spirits and mixers such a cranberry juice or red cordial may cause stains to Veneers and therefore they should be avoided where possible. Please note, alcohol consumed in moderation shouldn’t damage your Veneers.
Keep an eye out for hidden alcohol within toothpaste or mouthwashes. CosMediSmile Dental Specialists recommend using an alcohol free antiseptic mouthwash and an alcohol free toothpaste.
Do not skip your regular Dentist appointments
Last, but definitely not least, in line with your recommended pre Veneer Dentist appointments it is also recommended that you visit the Dentist post Veneer treatment every six months, for a regular dental check up and clean to remove any built up plaque. This is a great opportunity for your Dentist to ensure that your Veneers are still correctly secured and that there are no signs of abnormalities.
If you’re interested in dental Veneers or any other dental treatment, please fill out our Online Assessment Form and we can organise a FREE Cosmetic Dentistry recommendation.