How To Care for Your Veneers

But just like your real teeth, your veneers need to be taken care of too. While durable and stain-resistant, your veneers can still be damaged or discoloured due to improper use or neglect. Read on to find out how you can make the most out of your veneers. 

Patients in Calgary choose Dr. Korol Dental for veneers. Come see how our biocompatible dental services set us apart from other dentists in Calgary.

What Are Veneers And Why Should You Take Care Of Them?

Veneers are custom porcelain shells bonded to the front surface of your teeth. Their job is to imitate the look and feel of real teeth; your veneers’ colour, size, shape, and length can all be tailored to appear like your own teeth. Patients choose veneers to hide aesthetic flaws such as gaps, chips, stains, and minor misalignment on the front teeth or to protect the surface of their teeth from damage and to give themselves a dazzling smile. 

Veneers are unsuited for rectifying severe dental conditions such as tooth decay and gum diseases. Think of veneers as primarily an accessory to improve the appearance of your smile. 

While the appearance boost is immediate, your veneers can quickly get ugly if you do not take proper care of them. Stained or damaged veneers are essentially useless, as they are no longer contributing to your appearance. However, veneers that are correctly taken care of are sure to get your money’s worth, lasting up to 15 years before they need to be replaced. 

Tips To Take Care Of Your Veneers 

Here are some tips to help you get the most mileage out of your veneers:

• Brush your veneers with a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste: Brush your veneers as if you are brushing your own teeth. Your veneers may be resistant to stains, but they are not stainless. Neglect can and will discolour your veneers. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush with non-abrasive toothpaste to conserve the polish on your veneers for as long as possible.  
• Limit foods that can stain your teeth and veneers: Keeping your veneers free of stains is much easier if you avoid foods that can leave them in the first place. Regularly consuming coffee, soda, and sugary foods can make keeping your veneers clean challenge. Furthermore, unlike the veneers themselves, the adhesives that keep them bonded to your teeth are not stain-resistant. Even if you do a good job of brushing your veneers, these adhesives may appear yellowed, ruining your smile’s appearance. This is yet another reason to limit teeth-staining foods. 
• Do not chew on objects: Your veneers are not as resilient as your real teeth. This means they can break when you use teeth to chew on things, such as ice, fingernails, and pens. Above all, do not use your teeth as a bottle opener or to tear the plastic. Involuntary teeth grinding during sleep or bruxism is a real concern when you have veneers. To conserve your veneers and the wellbeing of your real teeth, wear a custom night guard before going to sleep. 
• See your dentist twice a year: If you want your veneers to do their job, your teeth and gums must remain healthy. Biannual dental exams ensure that this is possible. Your dentist can clean your teeth and repair your veneers一if necessary. Ensuring your oral health generally comes before improving your smile’s appearance. Your veneers will do you little good if your gums are receding due to a buildup of plaque and tartar.

For All Your Veneer Needs In Calgary 

The effects of veneers can be truly spectacular, instantly transforming the appearance of your teeth. But your new look can be short-lived, as your veneers can quickly degrade if not routinely maintained. To extend your veneers’ longevity, try brushing your veneers every day, limiting sugary foods intake, and not chewing on objects. Most importantly, get a dental exam twice a year to make sure your teeth, gums, and veneers are all looking good. 

Our dentists are renowned in Calgary for their experience in installing and repairing dental restoration, including veneers, bridges, and implants. Call us at 403-245-9099 or fill out the online contact form to learn more about our dental services.

FAQ

Q: What is the difference between a veneer and a crown?
A: Veneers cover the front surface of the tooth; crowns encase the whole tooth. Veneers aim to improve your teeth’ appearance; a crown aims to protect a damaged tooth from further decay without compromising your teeth’ function.  

Q: Are veneers permanent?
A: Veneers are regarded as a “permanent” solution because they can last up to 15 years. 

Q: Are veneers covered by insurance?
A: Because veneers are considered a cosmetic procedure, they are not covered by insurance.