Love Languages: How Best to Care for Your Dental Veneers

September 4, 2024

Woman laughing and enjoying her dental veneers

If you love your dental veneers, you probably want to show your appreciation by taking good care of them. In return, they’ll beautify your smile for years to come. As it turns out, your dental veneers’ love language is proper maintenance! Get to know them and their preferences better by scrolling down and reading more.

Avoid Tannins and Maintain the Hollywood Sparkle

Foods and drinks with rich colors, such as grapes, wine, juice, coffee, curry, and berries, can dull the Hollywood sparkle of your veneers. When the tannins in these treats meet your cosmetics (or natural teeth, for that matter), they trigger a reaction that makes pigments stronger and traps them in surface pores. Dental veneers are stain-resistant overall, but frequently consuming tannin-rich delicacies can eventually discolor them.

Preserve Their Structure by Beating Bad Habits

The pristine shine that makes dental veneers so famous is certainly eye-catching. Another attractive quality, though, is their durability. That’s the magic of quality porcelain! Still, certain habits will prematurely wear down the hardest of materials. Be mindful of these damaging quirks:

  • Nail biting
  • Teeth grinding
  • Bottle-opening – with your teeth, that is!
  • Crunching ice

Basically, be careful with your precious veneers, and don’t bite down on tough surfaces if you can help it.

Clean Your Veneers Softly and Gently

Flossing once a day and brushing twice a day won’t just help your veneers last longer – it will also mitigate the staining power of tannins. However, there are products out there that aren’t so great for your new cosmetics. Here’s a list of cleaning items to avoid:

  • Hard-bristled toothbrushes are rough on both teeth and dental veneers
  • Over-the-counter teeth whitening products are dangerously abrasive
  • Charcoal and baking soda are also too grating for dental veneers
  • Certain mouthwashes don’t interact well with the bonding adhesive

Always double-check oral hygiene products with your dentist before using them to care for your veneers.

Visit Your Dentist Every Six Months

Speaking of your dentist, they’re a vital part of the hygiene process! Plaque and tartar formed from everyday bacteria can harden near your gumline, increasing your risk for gum disease and infection. You won’t be able to support your cosmetics if a receding gumline causes your tooth to wiggle loose.

Fortunately, that’s where your dentist comes in. They have special tools and training for removing stubborn plaque and tartar, and will check on the integrity of your veneers. If anything looks suspicious, they’ll be sure to tell you right away and help you form a treatment plan. They’re your best alley in promoting the longevity of your dental veneers!

About the Dentist

Dr. Dan Rodda excels at helping his patients feel comfortable and appreciated in his office. He fosters a caring and compassionate care environment, and takes the time to get to know each patient and their smile goals. Thanks to his extensive experience in the field, you can also trust him to provide you with stunning dental veneers! To contact Dr. Rodda’s office, call 480-526-4317.