5 Easy Tips to Care for Your Veneers in San Francisco

Investing in dental veneers can transform more than just your smile; it can also boost your confidence. Since properly maintained porcelain veneers have an impressive 94% survival rate after 10 years, they are one of the most durable cosmetic dental treatments available. 

Veneers dramatically enhance your smile, but like natural teeth, they need regular care to stay beautiful and last as long as possible. Whether you've just gotten veneers or are considering them, understanding how to maintain them is key. Read on to learn five simple tips that will help you protect your investment and enjoy a flawless smile for years to come from the best cosmetic dentist in San Francisco. 

Five Ways to Keep Your Veneers Looking Flawless for Years to Come

Veneers are an investment in your confidence and your smile, so it’s only natural to want them to look their best for as long as possible. With just a few simple habits, you can keep your veneers looking just as flawless as the day you got them. Here’s what you need to know to protect your new smile and enjoy lasting results.

1. Brush and Floss Daily

While your veneers themselves won't develop cavities, the natural teeth beneath them and adjacent to them remain vulnerable to tooth decay. This makes your daily dental hygiene routine essential for the long-term success of your veneers: 

• Always use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste to prevent tiny scratches that can dull the shine of your veneers over time. 
• Complete your oral hygiene routine by flossing gently between each tooth, taking care around the edges where your veneers meet your gumline. 

This simple daily habit removes harmful plaque that could otherwise lead to gum disease or decay of your natural tooth structure. Both are problems that could compromise even the most beautiful veneers.

2. Avoid Foods and Drinks That Could Cause Tooth Staining

Though porcelain veneers are more stain-resistant than your natural teeth, they aren't entirely immune to discoloration. Over time, regular exposure to certain foods and beverages can gradually dull their brilliant shine. Try to limit your consumption of common culprits, such as coffee, red wine, dark teas, richly colored berries, deeply pigmented sauces like soy sauce, and tomato-based pasta sauces. 

When you do indulge, take a simple protective step afterward by either rinsing your mouth thoroughly with water or, even better, brushing your teeth if possible. This quick habit helps wash away potential staining compounds before they have a chance to affect your veneers. 

3. Don't Use Your Teeth as Tools

Porcelain veneers are durable, but they're not indestructible. Using your teeth as tools to bite open packages, tear tape, or crack hard objects puts tremendous pressure on both your veneers and the natural teeth underneath. This risky habit can lead to chips, cracks, or even the complete detachment of the veneer. 

• Make it a rule to avoid biting into non-food items like pens, ice cubes, or your fingernails, as these seemingly harmless activities can cause significant damage over time. 
• When eating, be mindful about how you approach tough foods like crusty bread, raw carrots, or nuts. 
• Cut harder foods into smaller pieces when possible and chew with your back teeth rather than biting directly with your front veneers. 

4. Wear a Custom-Made Night Guard if You Grind Your Teeth

If you wake up with a sore jaw or headaches, you might be grinding your teeth at night without even realizing it. This habit, called bruxism, puts tremendous pressure on your veneers — up to 250 pounds of force per square inch — which can wear them down, chip their edges, or even cause them to detach from your natural teeth. 

A custom-fitted night guard creates a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth, absorbing these harmful forces while you sleep. Unlike bulky over-the-counter options, a dentist-made night guard is designed specifically for your mouth, offering maximum protection with minimal discomfort.

5. Keep Up with Regular Dental Check-ups 

Scheduling those twice-yearly dental checkups isn't just old advice; it's essential protection for your veneer investment. During these appointments, your dental hygienist uses specialized tools to safely clean areas around your veneers that regular brushing might miss, preventing potential gum disease that could undermine your smile makeover. Meanwhile, these appointments also give your dentist an opportunity to carefully examine your veneers for tiny signs of trouble that you might not notice, including hairline cracks, slight separations at the edges, or subtle changes in your bite that could lead to damage. 

Looking for a Cosmetic Dentist who Provides the Best Porcelain Veneers in San Francisco?

At our practice, we believe that every smile should reflect the person behind it, and that’s exactly what Dr. Soto helps our patients achieve. With years of experience in cosmetic dentistry and a meticulous eye for detail, Dr. Soto takes a personalized approach to veneers, tailoring each treatment to complement your facial features and natural bite. 

At Dr. Soto’s premier dental office, we prioritize comfort, transparency, and artistry, making sure you feel informed and confident every step of the way. Our patients love that we blend advanced technology with a warm, judgment-free environment, so whether you're looking for a subtle upgrade or a full smile transformation, you're in expert hands with our team.

Ready to get the smile you’ve waited your whole life for with the best porcelain veneers in San Francisco?