Dental Veneers: Dos and Don'ts
DO
DON'T
Brush twice daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste
Don't bite directly into very hard foods — ice, hard candy, uncut fruits, bones, or crusty bread
Floss daily around each veneer — pay attention to the margin where the veneer meets the gum
Don't use your teeth as tools — never open bottles, tear packaging, or pull tags with veneered teeth
Use a fluoride mouthwash nightly to strengthen the underlying enamel
Don't use abrasive or whitening toothpastes — they scratch the polished veneer surface over time
Wear a custom night guard if you grind or clench your teeth — grinding is one of the leading causes of veneer damage
Don't consume excessive quantities of stain-causing drinks (coffee, tea, red wine) without rinsing afterwards
Wear a mouthguard during contact sports or physical activities
Don't smoke or use tobacco — it yellows veneers and deteriorates the bonding margin
Attend regular checkups and professional cleanings every 6 months
Don't chew on pens, fingernails, or other hard objects
Cut hard foods (apples, carrots, crusty bread) into small pieces before eating
Don't skip wearing your night guard if prescribed — grinding will crack or dislodge veneers
Contact The Tooth Stop immediately if a veneer chips, cracks, or comes off
Don't try to re-bond a veneer at home if it falls off — store it safely and bring it to The Tooth Stop
Do's — in detail
- Brush twice daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste
- Floss daily around each veneer — pay attention to the margin where the veneer meets the gum
- Use a fluoride mouthwash nightly to strengthen the underlying enamel
- Wear a custom night guard if you grind or clench your teeth — grinding is one of the leading causes of veneer damage
- Wear a mouthguard during contact sports or physical activities
- Attend regular checkups and professional cleanings every 6 months
- Cut hard foods (apples, carrots, crusty bread) into small pieces before eating
- Contact The Tooth Stop immediately if a veneer chips, cracks, or comes off
Don'ts — in detail
- Don't bite directly into very hard foods — ice, hard candy, uncut fruits, bones, or crusty bread
- Don't use your teeth as tools — never open bottles, tear packaging, or pull tags with veneered teeth
- Don't use abrasive or whitening toothpastes — they scratch the polished veneer surface over time
- Don't consume excessive quantities of stain-causing drinks (coffee, tea, red wine) without rinsing afterwards
- Don't smoke or use tobacco — it yellows veneers and deteriorates the bonding margin
- Don't chew on pens, fingernails, or other hard objects
- Don't skip wearing your night guard if prescribed — grinding will crack or dislodge veneers
- Don't try to re-bond a veneer at home if it falls off — store it safely and bring it to The Tooth Stop
Good to Know
- Porcelain veneers cannot be whitened once placed — if you plan to whiten your teeth, do so before veneers are fitted so the shade can be matched to your whitened teeth.
- Composite veneers are more prone to staining than porcelain. Reduce consumption of dark-coloured foods and drinks and maintain meticulous oral hygiene.
- With proper care — brushing, flossing, regular checkups, and night guard use — porcelain veneers can last 12–15 years or more before needing replacement.
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Browse All ResourcesShared by Dr. P Meghana, MDS - Orthodontics
The Tooth Stop · BTM Layout, Bangalore · +91 8618 910 357