Do You Need to Brush Veneers?

Veneers are a popular Ridley Park cosmetic dentistry treatment that can help completely change how your smile looks.

If you have generally-healthy teeth and are dealing with:

Severe staining or discoloration
Gaps between teeth
Misshapen teeth
Irregularly sized teeth
Minor cracks
Minor chips

Then veneers are more likely an excellent choice for you!

But, a common question patients have regarding veneers is how to properly care for them, specifically if they need to be brushed just like natural teeth.

This short blog post has the answer!

How Do Veneers Work?

Veneers are a thin layer of porcelain that gets attached to the front surface of a natural tooth. The dentist will shave a little bit of the tooth’s enamel to create a rough texture, which allows the veneers to properly bond with your teeth.

It’s important to understand that veneers do not cover the entire tooth the way a dental crown would. This means that part of your natural teeth will still be exposed to bacteria and food particles.

So, Should You Brush Veneers?

The short answer is yes. Proper oral hygiene is the basis of good veneer maintenance.

The porcelain from the veneers doesn’t need to be brushed. The material is quite strong, can withstand staining, and does not develop cavities.

But, since your natural teeth are still exposed, you can still get cavities even with veneers on. Moreover, plaque and tartar can still accumulate on your veneers, which can increase your risk of developing gum disease, a severe infection that can even cause permanent tooth loss.

So to put it simply, you will still have to brush your teeth even if you have veneers on.

What Happens If You Don’t Maintain Your Veneers?

Veneers are strong, but they cannot withstand everything you throw at them. They can still break, chip, wear down, and with time some veneers can change their color.

When this happens, you will need to get your veneers replaced, since it’s not recommended to go back to your natural smile after the tooth enamel was shaved.

To prolong the lifespan of your veneers as much as possible, you can: