Our Top Tips for Extending the Life of Your Porcelain Veneers

At Pioneer Dental Group in Norwalk, California, we've been restoring smiles for more than 25 years. Our dedicated dentist, Behzad Binafard, DDS, understands that porcelain veneers are an investment in both confidence and appearance, and it’s natural to want them to last as long as possible.

One large systematic review showed that porcelain veneers survived 10-12 years in most studies, with some lasting as long as 20 years.

In our October blog, we discuss what all patients with long-lasting veneers share in common: Excellent upkeep! Here are some of the simple habits that can help your veneers stay beautiful and functional for as long as possible.

Brush carefully

The American Dental Association recommends the 2x2 rule: Brush twice a day for two minutes each time using a soft-bristled toothbrush and nonabrasive fluoride toothpaste.

It's particularly important to follow this gentle approach when you have porcelain veneers. It helps you clean effectively while protecting the smooth surface of your veneers from scratches and unnecessary wear.

Floss properly

Daily flossing is essential for keeping the edges of your veneers and gumline clean. When flossing, glide the floss gently to prevent pressure on the veneer edges.

Without flossing, plaque and tartar can build up around the corners of your veneers and weaken their connection to your teeth.

Use a gentle mouth rinse

An alcohol-free mouth rinse can help maintain your oral health without weakening the bonding materials that are holding your veneers in place.

Avoid hard foods and bad habits

Porcelain is strong, but it's not immune to damage. Biting down on very hard foods or non-food items, for example, crunching ice, can cause chips and cracks.

We also strongly recommend avoiding chewing on pencils or your fingernails or using your teeth to open packages, as these habits sharply increase your risk of veneer damage.

Protect against grinding and clenching

If you grind or clench your teeth at night, it can wear your teeth down over time. Clenching and grinding have similar effects on porcelain: It can weaken the bonding material and cause fractures that may even go down into your natural tooth.

If you clench or grind your teeth, ask Dr. Binafard about solutions. He can create a custom night guard that protects both your natural teeth and porcelain veneers.

Pay attention to changes

If you notice new tooth sensitivity, rough edges, looseness, or gum changes around your veneers, don't wait for the problem to worsen. These are signs that your veneer could be at risk for cracking, breaking, or falling off.

Reaching out to our office right away can help stop small issues from becoming bigger, more complicated problems.

Keep up with dental visits

Professional cleanings and checkups every six months are key to maintaining your veneers. Regular exams allow us to spot and fix small issues before they affect your smile. Cleanings also keep plaque and tartar from building up around the edges of your veneers.

At Pioneer Dental Group, we're your lifelong partner in dental care. We want your veneers to look great now and for many years to come. The things we've discussed here can help get you there. 

For more personalized care and tips on protecting your investment in your smile, call us today at 562-684-6179 or book your appointment online anytime.