What aftercare support is needed for dental veneers?

Dental veneers are a big commitment. While they can greatly enhance a smile, taking care of them properly is important to sustain your new look.

From brushing and flossing regularly to being careful about what you eat, taking care of your smile reduces the need for replacement further down the line and keeps them looking as fresh as the day they were fitted.

This guide includes aftercare advice on maintaining dental veneers, as well as suitable alternatives that offer a similar look.

The importance of dental veneer aftercare

Aftercare is vital when it comes to maintaining a healthy, good-looking, and functional smile.

If you don’t take care of them properly, the veneers can come loose or move out of place and are more prone to breakages and cracks.

Poor veneer aftercare means you’re more likely to have to get them replaced earlier than expected, costing valuable time and money. 

Who provides veneer aftercare?

Dental veneer aftercare varies between dental practices, and it’s important you follow all advice given to your unique case.

Veneer aftercare in the US

When you get dental veneers in the US, your dentist will go through aftercare advice, before and after the treatment.

This will be bespoke to your lifestyle, veneer type, and diet. If you have any questions, this is the perfect time to ask.

Most dentists offer follow-up appointments to check how you’re getting on with your new smile and make alterations, if necessary. However, this is clinic-dependent, so it’s important you learn about the process of your chosen dentist before undergoing the procedure.

Veneer aftercare abroad

Getting cosmetic surgery and treatments abroad is at an all-time high, with people traveling outside of the US to undergo procedures to give them the body they’ve been dreaming of.

However, this can come at a cost.

Generally, a slapdash approach is used, meaning patients are less likely to receive appropriate aftercare advice and instructions.

This is highly dangerous and means many Americans who have got dental veneers abroad are suffering the consequences, as they don’t know how to look after their new smile. 

Types of aftercare

Dental veneer aftercare isn’t a one-stop shop. It combines a few factors to ensure maximum health for both your veneers and natural teeth.

Immediate aftercare

Straight after getting dental veneers, you may experience some slight discomfort and sensitivity to extreme hot and cold food or drink.

Some experience inflammation and bleeding in the gums, which is normal initially, but if it carries on for more than a few days, you should speak to your dentist for advice and a follow-up appointment.

Talking may be difficult, but this is standard for dental veneer patients, especially after getting a full set. This is because of the new addition and it can take time to get used to.

Oral hygiene routine

Brushing and flossing regularly is a rule that should be followed by all, but it’s especially important if you have dental veneers.

Make sure to use a soft-bristled brush to remove built-up bacteria and food debris gently.

Regular dental check-ups

Seeing your dentist regularly for check-ups and deep cleans helps your veneers and natural teeth.

And, most importantly, they can spot early signs of gum and tooth issues before they develop into something more serious - and then treat them accordingly to preserve your smile.

Diet

Similarly to maintaining the look of your own teeth, diet plays a part in caring for your dental veneers.

Veneers are known for being stain-resistant and durable, but you need to be wary of the surrounding teeth changing color after consuming food and drinks like coffee, curry, and beetroot - especially if you only have one veneer.

The more the surrounding teeth discolor, the less natural the veneer will look.

This also includes the type of foods you eat. Consuming really chewy or crunchy foods can affect the adhesion and strength of the veneers.

For example, eating chewy candies or biting into an apple can put pressure on your teeth, with many people finding their veneers pop off or break afterwards. 

How to protect your veneers from cracks and chips

You shouldn’t use your teeth as tools. Opening parcels and bottles with your teeth can put pressure on the veneer, causing unnecessary tension, and creating cracks and chips.

Similarly, hard and chewy foods can chip and crack dental veneers, or even dislodge them.

How lifestyle can affect your oral health

Smoking doesn’t change the color of the veneers, but it can stain the composite material used to adhere the veneer to the tooth and the surrounding teeth.

Veneers are strong and durable, but you mustn’t take advantage of this as you could end up with a cracked or missing veneer.

Opening parcels, biting off labels, and impressing your friends by opening bottles with your teeth can all lead to a much weaker veneer. 

Low-maintenance alternatives to dental veneers

Veneers are pretty high maintenance and require a lot of care and attention.

Wouldn’t it be good if there was an alternative?

Snap-on veneers allow you to experience a perfected smile, without the commitment.

Made bespoke to your unique measurements, clip-in veneers by instasmile are super comfortable and highly durable, meaning you can eat, drink, kiss, and talk as much as you please and won’t feel a thing.

To look after your slip-in smile, you should wash in warm water every day, using a soft-bristled brush to remove any food residue. Using disinfectant tablets twice a week helps to remove any unseen bacteria.

When not in use, you should store them in a clean, dry, and safe place, away from direct sunlight and curious pets wanting a new toy to play with.

Snap-on veneers with instasmile

If you’re interested in a durable and natural-looking alternative, instasmile has just the thing for you.

Our snap-on veneers can instantly enhance your smile.

Available in four shades (Hollywood white, pure natural white, light ivory, or medium ivory) and crafted to your unique measurements, you can count on instasmile to give you a boost in confidence.

With high comfort levels, you can choose to wear them all day every day or if you want a perfected smile for pictures and special occasions.

To learn more, get started today!