December 15, 2023
Getting dental veneers can dramatically improve the look of your smile. But you must adapt your regular oral hygiene routine to keep teeth clean beneath veneers and prevent damage. Certain practices are required to maintain the integrity of veneers and the natural teeth they cover. Here are some tips for optimal teeth cleaning under veneers.
How Do Veneers Impact Oral Hygiene Practices?
Veneers are thin porcelain covers bonded over front teeth, so they don’t get inserted like crowns. They protect the underlying tooth structure. But it would help if you still cleaned the teeth under veneers effectively to prevent decay, gum disease, staining, and bad breath. It requires a gentle approach to avoid dislodging the veneers.
Is Brushing Under Veneers Different from Natural Teeth?
Yes, you must make some modifications to your usual brushing method:
- Employ a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid scraping the veneer edges
- Brush at a 45-degree angle aimed towards the gumline
- Avoid vigorous back-and-forth scrubbing motions
- Focus on the gum line, using gentle massage motions
- Use a light touch and short strokes under the veneered teeth
- Take care brushing near veneer edges. Do not lift them up
- Check for and remove any trapped debris under veneers
What Type of Toothbrush and Toothpaste Should I Use?
Choose a soft manual toothbrush or an oscillating electric model. Hard bristles could scratch veneers over time. Use a mild or whitening toothpaste approved by your dentist in Huntington Beach. Avoid highly abrasive formulas. Fluoride toothpaste will help strengthen veneers and underlying enamel.
Should I Use Mouthwash or Other Oral Rinses?
Using an ADA-approved antibacterial mouthwash can enhance your veneer cleaning regimen. Select a non-alcohol formula if possible. Water irrigators like Waterpiks are also safe and beneficial for veneers when used properly at low pressure. It flushes out plaque. But rinses don’t replace brushing and flossing.
How Often Should I Visit the Dentist for Veneer Checkups?
It would help if you visited your dentist near you every six months for professional cleaning and monitoring of your dental veneers in Huntington Beach, CA. The dentist will carefully examine for issues like staining, gum recession, damage, or loosening of the veneers. They can remove built-up plaque from under veneers and may polish them to refresh the sheen.
Tips for Maintaining Veneer Brightness and Integrity
- Avoid staining foods and drinks like coffee, tea, wine, berries, tomato sauce, and dark sodas
- Don’t chew hard foods like ice or nuts, which could crack veneers
- Stop habits like biting nails and chewing on pens
- Protect veneers from grinding or clenching by wearing a nightguard
- See your dentist quickly if a veneer feels loose or damaged
Your beautiful, veneered smile can stay flawless for years with the proper care. Consult your local dentist, like Seascape Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry in Huntington Beach, CA, to ensure you know how to care for your new veneers properly. Proper brushing techniques and routine dental visits are key.
