After making the investment to improve your smile with dental veneers, you need to think carefully about veneer aftercare and how to clean veneers. While taking care of your veneers is not a hard task, you’ll find that any type of temporary veneer needs to be looked after in order to keep that winning smile for years to come. Today, we’re going to share our full guide to veneer aftercare and our top tips for preserving your new smile.
Immediate Post-Treatment Care
After the initial treatment for your veneers, it is common to experience some sensitivity, especially to hot and cold temperatures. This is because a thin layer of enamel is usually removed before attaching the veneers. To manage this pain, we recommend using a specialised toothpaste for sensitive teeth, which can help to reduce discomfort. Avoid hot and cold foods to give your teeth time to adjust, and take over-the-counter pain relief like ibuprofen or paracetamol if you find the pain is too much in the first few days. Additionally, avoid chewing hard foods or using your teeth for anything other than eating after veneer placement, as the bonding material needs time to set properly.
Daily Oral Hygiene Routine
Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial for extending the life of your veneers. While veneers are stain-resistant and durable, the natural teeth underneath could still suffer from decay and gum disease, so you should treat them the same way you did prior to your temporary veneer treatment. Continue to brush your teeth twice a day, using a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid scratching the veneers. We recommend using a non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste and using a circular motion in a gentle manner to clean your teeth thoroughly without causing damage.
Floss daily to remove plaque and food particles between your teeth but don’t pull too hard around the edge of your new veneers. Mouthwash should also be used once a day to reduce bacteria. An alcohol-free mouthwash is your best bet as it will help to prevent weakening of the bonding material. Considering the veneers Manchester cost, you’ll want to make sure you follow these basic oral hygiene tips to look after your teeth for years to come.
Eating and Drinking with Veneers
A key consideration when it comes to veneers aftercare is what you eat and drink. Some patients do notice that they experience tooth sensitivity months after veneers, and the food and drink you consume will have a big impact on this. You can also work to extend the lifespan of your veneers when you follow good dietary habits. Avoid hard or crunchy foods, such as nuts or hard sweets, as these can put too much pressure on composite veneers in Manchester. While porcelain veneers are more resistant to staining, you’ll still want to try and avoid high amounts of coffee, red wine, tea, and tobacco.
To protect your natural teeth, it is always advised to be mindful of the amount of sugary or acidic foods you consume. These can contribute to the decay of your natural teeth, which still need to be protected when you have veneers. To avoid staining, you can also use a straw for many drinks to reduce the direct contact between your drink and your veneers.
Protecting Your Veneers
Veneers are typically very strong, but that doesn’t mean they are indestructible. If you enjoy playing contact or rough sports, you may want to invest in a mouthguard. They can help to protect your veneers and natural teeth from impact-related incidents. Many patients we work with struggle with teeth grinding or bruxism. A night guard is a good option for anyone working to overcome this issue as it will prevent excessive pressure that might cause veneers to. Never use your teeth as a tool to open bottles or bite into non-food objects, as this can lead to damage to your veneers.
Regular Dental Check-Ups
Regular dental visits are essential to ensure your veneers remain in good condition and to monitor any changes to your overall dental health. We recommend booking a visit to your dentist every six months so they can detect any issues before they become more serious. If you feel any loosening, rough edges, or discomfort from your veneers, call your dentist immediately to prevent further issues. Keep in mind that a damaged veneer is not a dental emergency, but it should be addressed quickly to avoid further damage. Avoid biting or chewing on a damaged veneer until it is repaired, and if a piece of a veneer has chipped off, try to preserve it and bring it to your dentist to review the damage.
Caring for dental veneers is essential for maintaining their look and protecting your natural teeth. Our team will be here to support you with this task and to ensure you enjoy the benefits of veneers for years to come.