Do You Have To Brush Veneers? What You Need To Know

Do you have to brush veneers? Yes, you need to brush veneers twice a day, just like normal teeth. Even though veneers can't get cavities, the teeth under them can. Good cleaning helps your veneers last longer and keeps your whole mouth healthy.

What Are Veneers?

Veneers are thin shells made of porcelain. They go on the front of your teeth. Think of them like fake fingernails, but for your teeth! Dentists put them on teeth to make smiles look better.

Veneers can fix many smile problems:

  • Gaps between teeth
  • Stained teeth that won't get white
  • Chipped teeth
  • Teeth that are the wrong shape
  • Uneven teeth

Veneers only cover the front part of your teeth. The rest of your real tooth is still there behind the veneer.

Do You Need To Brush Veneers?

Yes, you must brush your veneers every day!

Many people think they don't need to brush veneers because veneers can't get cavities. This is not true! While the porcelain veneer itself can't get a cavity, your real tooth underneath can.

Why You Need To Brush Veneers

Here's why brushing is so important:

  1. Protect your real teeth  - Your natural teeth under the veneers can still get cavities.
  2. Keep your gums healthy  - If you don't brush, your gums can get sick. This is called gum disease. Bad gums can hurt your veneers.
  3. Keep veneers looking nice  - Even though veneers don't stain easily, they can lose their shine if you don't clean them.
  4. Make veneers last longer  - Good brushing helps your veneers last 10-15 years.

What Happens If You Don't Brush?

If you don't brush your veneers and teeth, bad things can happen:

  • Cavities can form on your real teeth under the veneers
  • Your gums can get red, sore, and bleed
  • Your breath might smell bad
  • The dentist might have to take off your veneers to fix problems

When cavities happen under veneers, the dentist must remove the veneer, fix the cavity, and put on a new veneer. This costs more money and time.

How To Clean Veneers The Right Way

Cleaning veneers isn't hard, but you need to do it right. Here's how:

Brushing Tips

  • Brush twice a day (morning and night)
  • Use a soft-bristle toothbrush
  • Choose a gentle toothpaste without harsh stuff
  • Don't use whitening toothpaste - it can scratch veneers
  • Brush for two minutes each time

Flossing Is Important Too

You also need to floss around your veneers once a day. Flossing removes food and germs from between teeth where your brush can't reach.

Be gentle when flossing teeth with veneers. Pull the floss through slowly so you don't pop the veneer off.

Best Products For Veneers

Not all tooth products are good for veneers. Here's what to use:

Good for veneers:

  • Soft toothbrushes
  • Non-abrasive toothpaste (ask your dentist which kind)
  • Regular dental floss
  • Fluoride mouthwash

Bad for veneers:

  • Hard toothbrushes
  • Whitening toothpaste
  • Baking soda
  • Charcoal toothpaste

More Ways To Take Care Of Veneers

Brushing and flossing aren't the only ways to keep veneers nice. Try these tips too:

Avoid Hard Foods

Don't bite hard things with your veneers, such as:

  • Ice cubes
  • Hard candy
  • Pen caps
  • Fingernails
  • Nuts and hard pretzels

These can chip or crack your veneers.

Watch What You Drink

Some drinks can dull your veneers over time:

  • Coffee
  • Tea
  • Red wine
  • Dark sodas

You don't have to stop these drinks, but try to drink water after to rinse your mouth.

Stop Bad Habits

Some habits can harm your veneers:

  • Smoking (makes gums sick)
  • Grinding teeth at night
  • Using teeth to open packages
  • Chewing on pens or pencils

Visit Your Dentist Often

See your dentist every six months. The dentist will:

  • Clean your teeth and veneers
  • Check for problems
  • Fix small issues before they get big
  • Make sure your veneers are in good shape

What To Do If Your Veneer Gets Damaged

If your veneer cracks, chips, or falls off:

  1. Save the veneer if it came off
  2. Call your dentist right away
  3. Don't try to glue it back yourself
  4. Be careful eating until it's fixed

Protect Veneers While You Sleep

Many people grind their teeth at night. This can damage veneers. If you grind your teeth, ask your dentist for a night guard. This is a plastic cover that protects your teeth and veneers while you sleep.

How Long Do Veneers Last?

With good care, veneers can last 10-15 years before they need to be replaced. Some people's veneers last even longer!

Things that help veneers last longer:

  • Good brushing and flossing
  • Regular dentist visits
  • Avoiding hard foods
  • Using a night guard if you grind your teeth
  • Not using teeth as tools

Final Thoughts

Yes, you have to brush veneers! Even though the porcelain can't get cavities, your real teeth underneath can. Good cleaning keeps both your veneers and natural teeth healthy.

Remember these key points:

  • Brush twice a day with a soft brush and gentle toothpaste
  • Floss once a day
  • See your dentist every six months
  • Avoid habits that can damage veneers

With the right care, your veneers will keep your smile bright and beautiful for many years. If you're thinking about getting veneers or have questions about caring for the ones you have, talk to us at Smile Essentials Dental in Greenwood Village, Colorado. Our team can help you keep your smile looking its best!