A confident smile can change the way people see you and how you see yourself. In fact, most adults believe a smile is the most important social asset, even affecting their career and personal relationships. For those who weren’t born with flawless dental genetics, dental veneers are one of the most trusted cosmetic treatments for creating that flawless look. But keeping your veneers in top shape takes more than just showing up for your regular dental visits.
Read on to learn how to keep your veneers looking as fresh as the day you got them with easy tips from the best dentist in Naperville.
How Do You Brush and Floss With Veneers?
Brushing and flossing with veneers isn’t much different from caring for your natural teeth, but a few small changes can make a big difference in keeping them looking their best:
- Always reach for a soft-bristled toothbrush and a non-abrasive toothpaste, since harsh bristles or gritty formulas can scratch the smooth surface of your veneers.
- When it comes to flossing, choose waxed floss or a water flosser and move gently between your teeth to avoid tugging at the edges of your veneers.
- Like with natural teeth, brushing twice a day and flossing once a day is essential, not only to keep your veneers bright, but also to protect your gums and the natural teeth underneath from tooth decay and gum disease.
What Foods and Drinks Should You Avoid With Veneers?
What you eat and drink can have a big impact on how long your veneers stay bright and intact. To keep their color fresh, it’s best to limit stain-causing favorites like coffee, tea, red wine, and dark sauces, since these can gradually discolor the edges of your veneers over time.
Also important is staying mindful that biting straight into hard foods like ice, nuts, or hard candy can put too much pressure on veneers. These increase the risk of chips or cracks. If you’re enjoying tougher foods, such as crusty bread or steak, cut them into smaller, bite-sized pieces instead of tearing with your front teeth.
How to Help Your Veneers Last for Years
Veneers are designed to be durable, but their lifespan depends a lot on how you care for them day to day. Porcelain veneers can usually last 10 to 15 years, while composite veneers have a shorter span of about five to seven years with proper care. The key to making them last is consistency:
- Regular dental checkups and professional dental cleanings allow your dentist to spot early signs of wear or damage before they become bigger problems.
- At home, good oral hygiene is non-negotiable. Brushing and flossing daily protects the teeth and gums that support your veneers.
- If you grind your teeth at night, wearing a custom night guard can also prevent unnecessary stress that might crack or loosen them.
What Happens If a Veneer Chips, Cracks, or Falls Off?
If a veneer chips, cracks, or even falls off, the most important thing you can do is avoid trying to fix it yourself. At-home glues or internet hacks can cause more harm than good. To get them fixed correctly, contact your dentist right away for professional dental bonding or a replacement veneer. If the veneer comes loose completely, carefully save the piece and bring it with you to your dental appointment.
Where to Find the Best Dentist in Naperville to Keep Your Mouth Healthy and Veneers Looking Like New
At Naperville Family Dental, we take the responsibility of your dental health seriously. Under the guidance of Dr. Donald Jonker, our approach combines advanced technology with a personalized touch, ensuring that every patient, from children to adults, receives care tailored to their unique needs.
Dr. Jonker’s dedication to long-lasting relationships means we’re not just fixing teeth, we’re helping you build habits and treatments that keep your entire mouth healthy and your veneers looking amazing for years. Whether it’s preventive checkups, cosmetic improvements, or urgent care, our compassionate, state-of-the-art practice makes it easier to feel confident every time you smile.
Ready to see the best dentist in Naperville for your next dental checkup and cleaning?
.svg)
.svg)
.svg)
.svg){kind=small}