How to maintain your smile makeover.

Congratulations on your journey towards a more confident smile with dental veneers!

Perhaps you just had your veneers placed or are on the brink of the transformative venture. Either way, you’ve invested in not only your looks but also your overall well-being. But the journey doesn’t end here. Maintaining that spellbinding smile requires consistent care and attention, ensuring your veneers remain as dazzling as the day you got them.

Today, we will guide you through essential tips to maintain and improve the lifespan of your veneers, allowing you to enjoy the fruits of your smile makeover for many years to come. Welcome to the next chapter of your journey to a healthier, brighter smile.

Caring for dental veneers versus natural teeth.

Maintaining dental veneers is just as straightforward as caring for your natural teeth. In some ways, veneers can even simplify your oral hygiene routine. With their ability to cover superficial cracks and chips, veneers eliminate spaces where decay-causing bacteria could accumulate. Veneers can rectify mild crookedness and crowding, further reducing potential bacterial traps.

Regardless of whether you have veneers or natural teeth, the underlying principles of oral hygiene remain the same. However, it’s crucial to remember that veneered teeth, though they have an added layer of protection, are not entirely impervious to decay and gum disease. The natural tooth still exists beneath the veneer and thus requires the same thorough care to remain healthy. 

6 essential composite and porcelain veneer care tips.

Much like achieving and maintaining optimal oral health with natural teeth, the longevity and beauty of your dental veneers really come down to everyday habits, along with regular professional care.

1. Brush your teeth twice daily for two minutes.

Brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes is crucial for maintaining healthy veneers. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush with fluoride toothpaste and gentle circular motions to avoid damaging the surface of your veneers. Be sure to brush along the gumline and the back of your teeth to remove any plaque or bacteria that can cause damage.

2. Floss at least once daily or after big meals.

Flossing is just as important for veneer maintenance as it is for natural teeth. Floss at least once a day to remove food particles and bacteria from between your teeth and along the gumline, especially where the veneer edge meets natural teeth within the gum pocket. You can also floss more than once a day if you feel food is stuck, after any snacks or meals.

3. Add a fluoride mouth rinse to your routine.

Use a fluoride rinse after brushing and flossing to give your smile an extra layer of protection against cavities and decay. While fluoride is neutral on porcelain and composite materials, it positively impacts the surfaces of your natural teeth that aren’t restored. Swish vigorously, and if you often experience dry mouth, use a product that is alcohol-free.

4. Limit sweets and acids to preserve veneer integrity.

Limiting your intake of sweets and acidic foods can help preserve the integrity of your veneers. These substances can erode the outer layer of the veneer, making it more susceptible to damage and stains. Also, while porcelain veneers tend to be more resistant to staining than composite veneers, both can become discolored if you frequently consume strongly pigmented foods and drinks.

5. Avoid chewing ice and using your teeth as tools.

Using natural teeth as tools is strongly discouraged, and since veneers aren’t as strong as natural teeth, it’s even more important to avoid putting too much pressure on them. Avoid chewing ice or using your veneers to open packages or bottles. These actions can cause chips, cracks, or even breakage of the veneer.

6. Visit Luminous Smiles every six months.

Regular dental visits are crucial for maintaining the health of your veneers. At Luminous Smiles, our team of experts can clean and evaluate your veneers thoroughly to ensure they are in good condition. We can also recommend any necessary touch-ups or adjustments to keep your smile looking its best.

Following these simple but powerful ways to care for porcelain and composite veneers will help you get the maximum lifespan possible from your smile makeover.

Get the most from your smile makeover at Luminous Smiles.

Your smile makeover is an investment, and at Luminous Smiles, we’re dedicated to helping you get the most out of it!

Protecting the health and appearance of your veneers is crucial, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. The care you put into your general oral health and veneers before and after placement greatly impacts their longevity and appearance. We can help you become a candidate for veneers by treating any active decay or gum disease and following up after placement with comprehensive dentistry services.

If you have any questions or concerns, or just need advice about your veneers, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. As a leading cosmetic dentist in Newport Beach, Dr. Desai is proud to participate in your journey to a brighter, more confident smile.