Do You Have To Brush Veneers?

Dental veneers are perfect on paper:

• They can fix a wide range of cosmetic dental issues like chips, cracks, gaps, and minor misalignments. 
• They are stain resistant 
• Porcelain veneers have a lifespan of about 15 years 
• They don’t get cavities 

So, if veneers don’t stain and don’t get cavities, does it mean you can skip on your regular dental hygiene? 

Not so fast!

Keep reading to find out why brushing your veneers is important. 

Veneers Don’t Get Cavities, But… 

Veneers are made of materials that don’t decay like composite resin or porcelain. But they are still attached to your natural teeth. 

If you fail to brush your teeth every day, plaque will accumulate around the veneers and close to your gums. Over time, the plaque will harden and turn into tartar, which will irritate the gums. The bacteria may even get under the veneers, especially if they aren’t properly placed or if they are old and the bonding isn’t that strong anymore. Once the bacteria reach the natural tooth underneath, they will start eating at the enamel and dentin until they get to the inner layers of the tooth. 

Fortunately, all of this can be avoided. 

Tips for Taking Care of Your Veneers 

Improper oral hygiene could lead to cavities and significantly reduce the lifespan of your veneers. You should also think about it this way: you will pay more to restore your oral health and get a new set of veneers. 

You can avoid all this trouble by following a few simple rules: 

• Have a consistent oral health care routine that includes daily brushing and flossing 
• But, make sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a mild toothpaste because veneers can get scratched quite easily. 
• Schedule regular appointments with your dentist in Charlotte so they can check on your veneers and make sure that you’re not developing any cavities or gum disease. 
• Wear a mouthguard if you grind your teeth at night to avoid breaking or cracking the veneers. 
• Increase the longevity of your veneers by avoiding sticky and hard foods as well as staining foods and beverages. This includes hard candies, popcorn kernels, taffies, marshmallows, and so on. 
• Don’t use your teeth to open plastic packages, or bottle caps or to chew on pen caps. 

Do You Have More Questions? 

If you are interested in veneers or other cosmetic dental treatments, the team at SouthEnd Dentistry is here to answer all your questions. We will also help you find out whether cosmetic or restorative dental treatment is better suited for your oral health needs. 

All you have to do is call us at (704) 335-8266 to book your appointment or send us an online request and one of our team members will get back to you as soon as possible. 

We’re excited to meet you and welcome you into our family.