Dental Duration: 3 Tips to Keep Your Veneers Longer

Veneers are a popular cosmetic solution because they can hide multiple flaws simultaneously to improve your smile and enhance your appearance. These thin, ceramic shells are bonded to the front of your teeth to mask imperfections like cracks, breaks, discoloration, and slight gaps. They’re less porous than your natural pearly whites and are therefore more resistant to staining and chipping. That means they also shield the underlying tooth and protect it from future damaged.

On top of that, veneers can last anywhere from 10 to 20 years, making them an excellent long-term solution. If you want to keep yours longer, keep reading for 3 helpful tips to increase their longevity!

Tip #1: Implement An At-Home Oral Hygiene Routine

One of the simplest and most efficient ways to keep your veneers in good condition is to brush and floss your teeth twice daily. Although they are made of inorganic material that doesn’t get cavities, the underlying tooth can develop decay that could cause the shell to loosen or fall off. Not only that, but if you contract gum disease and it goes untreated, your gums will eventually recede and reveal the seams of your cosmetic work.

Consistently cleaning your grin removes harmful bacteria and plaque buildup that cause dental problems like cavities and gum disease to keep your veneers intact.

Tip #2: Watch What You Eat

To keep your newly upgraded smile in excellent condition, it’s important to pay attention to the foods you eat. Sugary foods attract germs that work in tandem with acids from the food you eat to deteriorate your enamel which can loosen your veneers. Additionally, steer clear of foods that stain because your natural teeth will darken faster than the porcelain and you’ll end up with multiple hues. Common culprits include certain berries, coffee, tea, wine, and food dyes.

You should also try not to bite anything overly hard including inanimate objects like your fingernails, pen caps, and ice.

Tip #3: Visit Your Dentist Regularly

If you tend to only see your dentist when you have a problem, then you’ll be missing out on essential preventative care. You should have a routine checkup every 6 months to allow your dentist to monitor your dental status and catch any areas of concern before they can progress into real issues. For example, they can spot and reinforce weakening enamel before cavities develop, as well as find signs of gum disease and work with you to address it before your gums pull away from your veneers. They’ll also check to ensure the covers are still firmly bonded and that the underlying teeth are in good condition.

By making these few adjustments, you can potentially keep your newly perfected smile for decades!

About the Author

Dr. Christopher Cowell has more than 2 full decades of experience helping patients enhance their lives by improving their oral health. He attended Stetson University where he majored in biology before graduating from the University of Florida College of Dentistry in 1995. Today, he provides comprehensive dental care services, including veneers, in a warm and welcoming environment. He combines state-of-the-art equipment with a relaxed approach to help you feel comfortable while maximizing the accuracy of your treatments. If you’re frustrated by flaws in your teeth and are interested in veneers, you’re welcome to request a consultation on the website or by calling (386) 734-8585.