Quick answer
To care for veneers, brush twice daily with a non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste, clean between your teeth every day, attend regular check-ups, wear a night guard if you grind, and avoid biting hard objects. Composite veneers also benefit from limiting staining drinks and periodic polishing.
Key points
- Non-abrasive toothpaste and daily interdental cleaning.
- A night guard if you clench or grind.
- Don't bite ice, pens or nails.
- Regular check-ups to monitor edges and gums.
Why aftercare matters
Veneers are durable, but they sit on natural teeth that still need looking after. The edges where a veneer meets the tooth and gum are where problems such as staining, decay or gum inflammation usually start. Good daily care and regular check-ups are the most important things you can do to help veneers last.
Daily care
- Brush twice a day with a soft or electric toothbrush and a non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste. Highly abrasive "whitening" pastes can dull the surface of composite.
- Clean between your teeth every day with floss or interdental brushes.
- Rinse with water after coffee, tea or red wine, especially if you have composite veneers.
Protect your veneers
- Wear a night guard if you clench or grind. Grinding is one of the most common reasons for chipped veneers.
- Don't bite hard objects such as ice, pen tops, fingernails or bottle caps.
- Wear a sports mouthguard for contact sports.
- Avoid using teeth as tools to open packets or hold things.
The first few days
Some people notice mild sensitivity or tenderness around the gums. This usually settles within days. Your bite may feel slightly different at first. If anything feels high, rough or uncomfortable after a week, contact your dentist so it can be checked and adjusted.
Check-ups and hygiene visits
Regular reviews, often every six months, allow your dentist to check the margins of your veneers, your gums and your bite. Professional cleaning should be done with techniques suitable for ceramic and composite restorations.
When to contact your dentist
- A veneer feels loose, chipped or cracked
- You notice a dark line or staining at the edge of a veneer
- Your gums bleed or look swollen around a veneer
- Your bite feels different
How long will my veneers last?
Ceramic veneers can last many years with good care, and composite veneers generally need maintenance sooner. Neither is permanent. Looking after them well and attending check-ups gives them the best chance of lasting. Learn more about veneers, or book a consultation if you have questions about your own veneers.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drink coffee with veneers?
Yes. Ceramic veneers resist staining well, although composite veneers and the edges of any veneer can pick up stains. Rinsing with water and regular cleaning help.
Should I use whitening toothpaste with veneers?
Highly abrasive whitening toothpastes can dull composite and are not needed for ceramic. A non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste is usually recommended.
