Dental veneers are thin, tooth-coloured shells that are permanently attached to the front of teeth to protect them, and improve their appearance.
But, while they’re great for giving you that sought-after Colgate smile, they do require some care that regular teeth don’t.
Let’s take a look at how you can make the most of your veneers.
How To Take Care Of Dental Veneers
Different Types Of Veneers
While the most common types of veneers are made from porcelain, or composite resin materials, and are only available through a prescription, there are also “no-prep” veneers, which are much less invasive and low-maintenance when it comes to application.
Porcelain Veneers
With porcelain veneers, most dentists generally grind down your teeth, before making a mold and sending it to a lab so that they can use the impression to make them.
Sometimes, though, the dentist can use computer technology, and make the veneers right in the office.
While waiting to get your porcelain veneers, your dentist will give you temporary veneers made out of composite resin, which you can wear in the meantime.
Once the permanents are ready, the dentist will put them on, and cement them in place to make sure they don’t go anywhere.
Composite Resin Veneers
With composite resin veneers, the dentist will etch away at the surface of your teeth before applying a thin layer of the material.
This may require a couple of layers to achieve the desired look, and (once it’s done), the dentist will cure, harden, and set the veneers in place with a special light.
No-prep Veneers
No-prep (or minimal-prep) veneers include brands like Lumineers (not the band), and are a specific brand of porcelain veneers that are less invasive, and quicker to apply.
Instead of removing layers of tooth, these dental veneers only require the enamel to be removed.
In many cases, they don’t require a local anaesthetic, or temporary veneers.
Which Type Of Dental Veneers Are Best?
When it comes to finding the best type of veneers, there are a couple of factors to consider, such as:
- Cost
- Length Of The Installation Process
- Look Of The Veneers
- Longevity Of The Veneers
- Your Dentist’s Recommendations
Pros & Cons Of Porcelain Veneers
Pros:
Stronger, more durable material
Long lifespan (10 years or more)
Most natural material
Stain-resistant
Cons:
Can’t be repaired – only replaced
Takes roughly 3 visits to complete the treatment
Pros & Cons Of Composite Resin Veneers
Pros:
Can be completed in a single visit
Cheaper than porcelain veneers
Damage can be repaired
Less enamel is removed than with porcelain veneers
Cons:
Stains more easily
Less durable than porcelain
Repaired chips are easily visible
Shorter lifespan (8 years or less)
Not as realistic as porcelain
Why Would I Get Dental Veneers?
The main benefit of veneers is improving the appearance of your teeth.
They’re often used to treat things such as:
- Broken/chipped teeth
- Severe discolouration/uneven colour that can’t be fixed with whitening
- Gaps in the teeth
- Smaller-than-average teeth
- Pointed/unusually shaped teeth
Caring For Your Veneers
Once your veneers are in place, it’s time to get down to the real work: making them last.
Practise Proper Oral Hygiene
If you’ve already got a solid brushing routine in place (and are avoiding the common mistakes), all you really need to do is brush, floss, and rinse (or floss, brush and rinse).
Brush
Using a non-abrasive toothpaste, and a soft-bristled brush is the best way to ensure your veneers are taken care of.
Brush at least twice a day (every day) and after every meal.
Floss
Make sure you floss at least once a day to remove anything stuck between your teeth to protect your veneers.
Rinse
Swishing some antiseptic mouthwash after brushing is the best way to keep your mouth (and veneers) healthy.
Make sure you choose an alcohol-free mouthwash, because excessive exposure to alcohol-based mouthwashes can damage your new veneers.
Avoid Grinding
If you suffer from Bruxism (also known as tooth grinding), it’s important to get a guard to wear while you sleep. Grinding your teeth when you have veneers will quickly wear them down, damaging them (and exposing your teeth).
Watch What You Chew
If your parents ever stopped you from chewing on things as a baby, welcome back to those days.
While normal food isn’t a problem, things like ice, nails, and pens should all be avoided if you don’t want to damage your dental veneers.
Avoid Staining Foods (And Drinks)
Veneers tend to stain easily, so it’s important to avoid consuming staining foods as much as possible.
If you’d like to find out what foods and drinks to avoid, you can have a look at our list of 24 teeth-staining foods and drinks.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
While it’s a good idea to visit the dentist regularly, it becomes even more important when you’ve got dental veneers. Think of them as equipment you need to take to a specialist to make sure everything’s in good shape.
Conclusion
Depending on the type of veneer you choose, they could last for over a decade, making them a great semi-permanent investment.
Whether you want to get them for aesthetic or health-related reasons, it’s important to make sure that (just like your real teeth), you take care of them to make them last.
