Dental Veneer Maintenance – Top Tips  

Porcelain and composite dental veneers are effective solutions for enhancing the appearance of your teeth. Lasting up to 15 years (and with good care, potentially even longer), it should come as no surprise why so many Australians are seeking out this popular cosmetic dentistry service. If you have concerns about the colour, shape or alignment of your teeth, you should discuss these with your dentist during your next appointment. Dental veneers could be the perfect solution for you! At Glowing Smiles Dental, we’re passionate about helping patients maintain a healthy smile for life, and in this blog post we will be sharing some of our top tips for extending the life of your veneers and keeping your smile sparkling all year round. 

Reasons to Consider Dental Veneers 

Some of the most common reasons for considering dental veneers include tooth discolouration, chips, cracks or gaps between the teeth. Everyone wants to enjoy a smile which they can feel proud about, and custom-made porcelain veneers deliver amazing, long lasting results. The process typically requires only 2-3 visits to the dental clinic. During your first visit, an impression of your teeth will be taken in order to create a mould. The mould will then be sent to the lab, where your porcelain veneers will be produced. You will be provided with temporary veneers in the meantime, giving you a chance to get used to your new smile. The final step involves placement of the veneers on the prepared teeth. Before you know it, you’ll be walking out of the dentist’s office with a brand new smile! 

Depending on your budget and personal preferences, you will be given the option of composite or porcelain veneers. Whilst composite veneers are cheaper, they are less durable long term. Porcelain veneers cost more, but they are also more durable, colour-stable and deliver a slightly more natural looking result thanks to their translucent properties.  

The Benefits of Dental Veneers 

Your smile can be affected by a number of factors. Whether due to the natural aging process or lifestyle choices such as smoking, drinking and high consumption of sugary beverages, you may notice your smile change over time. Dental veneers are a safe and effective way of restoring the appearance of your teeth, consisting of a thin layer of porcelain or composite material applied over the surface of the teeth. Veneers are bonded to the tooth surface using dental cement, a strong and durable adhesive which ensures long lasting results. 

Dental veneers will help to: 

  • Hide minor cracks 
  • Restore a white, sparkling smile 
  • Provide an additional layer of protection to your teeth 

Dental Veneer Care Advice 

Natural tooth enamel is susceptible to decay and staining, whilst veneers are not. However, you will need to follow the maintenance advice given by your dentist in order to maximise their lifespan. In general, you should remember to brush and floss daily using gentle strokes, attend 6-monthly check-ups, avoid hard/crunchy foods and limit your intake of alcohol.  

Daily brushing and flossing is not only an important part of good oral hygiene, it will also help to protect the tooth structure. Brushing too hard can contribute to the development of gum recession, which may result in gap developing between the veneer and gum margin. It is best to use a soft or medium toothbrush in order to reduce gum irritation.  

If composite veneers are damaged, they can be easily repaired. Porcelain veneers on the other hand will require a full replacement.  

Enhance Your Smile – Book a Consultation for Dental Veneers Today 

Looking to restore a glowing smile? Our team have a wealth of experience with dental veneers, and we will find the right solution for your needs and budget. Contact us today to book an appointment at our Narre Warren or Doncaster East dental clinics.