Caring For Your New Veneers
Your new veneers are thin shells of porcelain bonded to the front of your teeth for a bright, natural smile. They are strong and stain-resistant, and with the right care they look beautiful for many years. Here is how to protect them.
The First Few Days
- Wait on the numbness if you were numbed. Avoid chewing until it resolves.
- Mild gum tenderness and cold sensitivity are normal for a few days and settle.
- Your bite may feel slightly different. Give it a few days to feel natural.
Protect The Edges
Veneers are strong, but their edges should not be stressed.
- Do not bite directly into hard foods with your front teeth. Cut apples, hard bread, and corn off the cob instead.
- Never use your teeth as tools to open packages or bite nails.
If You Grind
- Grinding or clenching is the fastest way to chip a veneer.
- Wear your night guard if we made one for you. This protects your investment while you sleep.
- Let us know if you wake with jaw soreness or notice daytime clenching.
Call Us If
- Your bite feels high or uneven once numbness wears off. This is a quick adjustment.
- A veneer feels loose, rough, or chips.
- Sensitivity or gum soreness is getting worse after a week instead of better.
- Anything feels off about how a veneer looks or fits.
How To Make Your Veneers Last As Long As Possible
The porcelain itself cannot decay or stain easily, but the natural tooth behind and beneath each veneer can, especially at the gum line. That edge is where your care goes.
- Keep the gum line spotless. Brush gently where each veneer meets the gum, cheek side and tongue side, where decay can start under the edge.
- Floss every day to clear the spaces between teeth and protect the bonding margins.
- Protect them from force. Wear your night guard if you grind, avoid biting hard objects, and keep your regular cleanings so we can check the edges and keep them flawless.
Treat them well and your veneers can keep your smile bright for many years!
Questions about your veneers or your recovery? Call the office anytime. We are here for you!
