Dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells, typically crafted from porcelain or composite resin, bonded to the front surface of teeth to correct cosmetic issues like discoloration, chips, or gaps. Although veneers are durable, they still require consistent hygiene to maintain the health of the underlying natural tooth structure and surrounding gum tissue. Without proper cleaning, plaque and bacteria accumulate at the margins where the veneer meets the tooth, risking gum disease and decay that could jeopardize the restoration.
The Right Way to Brush
Maintaining the polished surface of your veneers requires adjusting your oral care toolkit, starting with the toothbrush. Medium or hard-bristled brushes can introduce microscopic scratches on the veneer material, especially porcelain, which dulls their shine over time. Selecting a soft-bristled toothbrush ensures effective cleaning without causing surface damage to the restoration. This gentle approach must be paired with the correct type of toothpaste, as certain common ingredients are abrasive to the cosmetic material.
You must avoid toothpastes containing harsh abrasives like baking soda, activated charcoal, or high concentrations of silica, which can etch the veneer surface and compromise its integrity. Most whitening toothpastes, which often contain hydrogen peroxide, are not recommended because the chemical agents can weaken the bonding cement. Instead, opt for non-abrasive gel formulas or those labeled for sensitive teeth, which are gentler on both the veneer material and the underlying tooth structure.
The mechanical action of brushing also needs careful attention to protect the restoration and the gums. Instead of aggressive scrubbing, use gentle, circular motions directed at the gumline and the area where the veneer meets the natural tooth. This junction is susceptible to plaque buildup, and cleaning it thoroughly helps prevent gingivitis and decay beneath the veneer. Brush for two full minutes, covering all surfaces of the restorations and your remaining natural teeth twice daily.
Essential Maintenance Beyond Brushing
Proper brushing must be supplemented with thorough interdental cleaning to protect the longevity of your veneers. Flossing remains a necessary part of the routine, targeting the tight spaces between teeth and the margin at the gumline that a toothbrush cannot reach. When flossing around veneers, slide the floss gently beneath the gumline and pull it out sideways rather than snapping it down. This technique prevents stress on the veneer’s edge or the gum tissue.
The use of a mouthwash can offer an extra layer of protection, provided you choose the right formulation. Select an alcohol-free mouthwash, as the alcohol content in traditional rinses can have a drying effect and may weaken the composite bonding material over a prolonged period. Non-alcohol options rinse away bacteria and debris without compromising the bond’s chemical stability. A water flosser is also effective, as the stream of water gently cleans around the margins without the mechanical risk of traditional floss.
Maintaining your investment requires regular visits to the dental professional. Routine checkups and cleanings, typically every six months, allow the dentist to monitor the health of your gums and the integrity of the veneer margins. During professional cleaning, inform the hygienist that you have veneers so they use only non-abrasive polishing pastes and specialized plastic or resin instruments. This precaution prevents scratching the veneer surface and ensures the bonding material is not damaged during tartar removal.
Protecting Your Investment (What to Avoid)
To safeguard your veneers from damage, you must be mindful of habits that place excessive physical stress on the teeth. You should avoid biting directly into hard items, as the concentrated force can cause the veneer to chip, fracture, or debond from the tooth. Using your teeth as a tool—such as tearing open packages, snipping thread, or holding objects—introduces leverage forces that the thin veneer material is not designed to withstand.
Hard Items to Avoid
- Ice cubes
- Hard candies
- Popcorn kernels
- Nuts
If you have a habit of teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism), a custom-fitted nightguard is required to protect your veneers. Bruxism exerts unconscious pressure on the teeth during sleep, which can lead to hairline cracks in the porcelain or loosen the bond over time. A protective nightguard acts as a cushion, distributing the force evenly and preventing direct contact between the upper and lower restorations.
While porcelain veneers are stain-resistant compared to natural enamel, the adjacent natural teeth and the bonding material at the margins can still discolor. Limiting consumption of pigmented foods and drinks like coffee, red wine, dark teas, and berries helps maintain a consistent color across your smile. Unlike natural teeth, veneers cannot be whitened with traditional bleaching agents, making preventative stain avoidance the most effective strategy for preserving bright results.