Techniques for Taking Care of Veneers

Veneers are thin coverings that are placed over and bonded to the front (visible) parts of teeth. These coverings can be made from ceramic or a resin composite (1). Typically, a veneer is put in place after a dentist removes a small amount of enamel from the front and sides of the tooth.

Veneers may be applied to teeth for a number of reasons, including tooth discoloration, chipping, wearing, and/or fracture. Teeth that are crooked may also be covered by veneers. Likewise, teeth that have large gaps between them may be ideal candidates for veneers.

Once a veneer has been set in place, it may last anywhere from 10-15 years with proper care and good dental hygiene. However, it is imperative that one keep the following techniques in mind:

Chewing/Biting: While veneers are usually just as hard as teeth, they are also quite thin. Chewing and/or biting down on hard surfaces such as pretzels or ice may lead to the veneer shell cracking or chipping. In order to prevent this occurrence, it is best to chew on harder substances with the bicuspids and molars, and to refrain from tearing into hard foods with the incisors.

Drinking: Veneers, just like regular teeth, are prone to discoloration from liquids such as tea, coffee, and wine. If one cannot abstain from drinking these liquids, then a periodic whitening treatment may be needed from time to time. It may also help to purchase and regularly use whitening toothpaste.

Sports: As with regular teeth and/or dental work, veneers can be chipped or broken from contact sports such as basketball and football. If one plans to engage in such sports, a mouth guard is highly recommended.

Habits: Nail biting and tooth grinding are two habits that can easily result in chipped, worn, or dislodged veneers. While nail-biting can usually be stopped through conscious will, grinding can occur unconsciously in one's sleep. If tooth grinding is an issue, a mouth guard may need to be worn at night.

Regular care: Veneers look and feel their best when cared for on a daily basis. Brushing at least twice a day, and flossing after meals, are two activities that are highly recommended for good oral health. Otherwise, there is the risk of tiny cavities forming around the edge of the veneer shell, since tiny grooves do exist between the veneer and the tooth. Likewise, it is advised that one visit a dentist twice a year so that one's veneers (and teeth) be examined and any potential fractures be diagnosed.

Maintenance polish: Sometimes, dental veneers become permanently discolored and/or scratched. To help alleviate these problems, one can request that a maintenance polish be performed on one's veneers (2). A maintenance polish will typically remove most of the stains, discolorations, and scratches on one's veneers.

By keeping the following techniques in mind, one can better ensure that one's veneers look good and last for many years to come.

References:

1. ADA.org, Veneers

2. MyNewSmile.com, Treating Stained Porcelain Veneers