9 Porcelain Veneer Aftercare Tips to Protect Your New Smile

Porcelain veneers are one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry treatments because they cover up dental imperfections quickly and effectively. The thin, tooth-colored porcelain shells are bonded to the front of the teeth to balance and enhance your smile’s appearance.

If you invest in dental veneers, the right care for your new smile is key to beautiful and long-lasting results. Our Las Vegas Aesthetic Dentistry experts share tips on how to protect your porcelain veneers and maintain their look and functionality.

1. Maintain Good Oral Hygiene and Health

While porcelain veneers are less prone to bacteria and plaque build up when compared to natural teeth, it is still vital to practice good oral hygiene. The veneers are attached to natural teeth that can develop tartar and tooth decay without the proper care. This can also lead to gum disease that affects the health and stability of your teeth.

If you want to keep your new smile healthy and looking its best, keep up with a solid oral hygiene routine, including:

● Brushing twice daily

● Flossing at least once a day

● Using a fluoride mouthwash

● Getting regular teeth cleanings

2. Use a Soft Toothbrush and Non-Abrasive Toothpaste

Avoid abrasive dental hygiene products with porcelain veneers, including hard-bristled toothbrushes and gritty toothpaste. Consistently using these products can eventually scratch the surface of your dental veneers, which can weaken them and cause them to lose their luster.

Instead, opt for a soft-bristled toothbrush and a gentle toothpaste option. You can also ask your cosmetic dentist for recommendations on the best products and tools for your dental health needs.

3. Avoid Teeth Whitening Products

Teeth whitening is another sought-after cosmetic service that breaks up surface stains and brightens the smile. However, the bleaching agents used in whitening treatments can actually be harmful to dental veneers.

Even over-the-counter whitening products can damage the bonding material that holds the veneers on your teeth. Talk to your dentist about whitening treatments and if they are right for you.

4. Be Mindful When Eating

It is also important to be careful when eating with veneers. Certain foods and drinks can potentially damage your veneers or the bonding cement. Your dentist may recommend minimizing eating particular items, such as:

● Hard or crunchy foods

● Sticky foods

● Staining foods and drinks

● Acidic foods and drinks

● Candy or sugary treats

● Chewing gum

Additionally, be mindful about how you bite and chew, especially hard or sticky foods. Avoid biting down hard into nuts, hard candies, crusty breads, ice, caramel, taffy, and other foods that could be damaging to your veneers.

5. Quit Smoking or Using Tobacco Products

If you smoke, vape, or use other tobacco products, talk to your dentist and other healthcare professionals about quitting or significantly reducing use before getting porcelain veneers. Smoking increases the risk of serious dental issues and oral health problems, including:

● Teeth staining

● Periodontal disease

● Tooth decay

● Loose teeth

● Tooth loss

● Mouth cancer

Some of these conditions can affect your ability to successfully support porcelain veneers. It is best to quit smoking and get your oral health on track before you consider veneers and other cosmetic dentistry treatments.

6. See Your Dentist Regularly

Just as it is essential to practice good oral hygiene with porcelain veneers, it is equally important to visit your dentist for regular dental exams and teeth cleanings. Your dentist will remove harmful plaque buildup that can develop between the teeth and underneath the gums using special dental tools. Keeping your teeth healthy is the best way to safeguard your new smile.

7. Wear a Mouthguard

If you play contact sports or participate in highly physical activities, wearing a custom mouthguard will help to protect your porcelain veneers. The mouthguard fits over the teeth, providing a protective layer that absorbs shock from an impact and prevents chipping, cracking, or other damage.

Additionally, some people suffer from bruxism, which means they unconsciously grind or clench their teeth while sleeping or feeling anxious. While dental veneers are very durable, this can be incredibly damaging to veneers over time. In these cases, your dentist may recommend wearing a night guard or mouthguard.

8. Do Not Use Your Teeth as Tools

We have all done it — used our teeth to open a package or bottle when you have no other tools available. Not only is this a bad idea for your natural teeth, but it can also lead to porcelain veneer damage. You could potentially chip or break a veneer by applying too much pressure on it, requiring costly repairs to restore your smile.

Likewise, be mindful of other bad habits that can affect your veneers, including:

● Chewing on pen caps, ice, or other hard objects

● Biting your nails

● Tapping your teeth together

9. Call Your Dentist with Any Concerns

If you have questions or suspect that something is off with your porcelain veneers, contact your dentist right away to discuss your concerns. Catching issues early can make them easier to treat and prevent the problem from worsening.

With that in mind, it typically takes some time to get used to new porcelain veneers. Patients commonly experience an adjustment period that includes these temporary symptoms:

● Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures

● Changes in the way your bite feels

● Increased saliva production

● Differences in speech and pronunciation

As you adapt to your veneers, these issues should ease and subside. However, if you experience ongoing pain, bleeding gums, or prolonged issues, speak to your dentist.

Consult a Cosmetic Dentist About Porcelain Veneers in Las Vegas

Working with an experienced cosmetic dentist can help you achieve your smile goals with quality porcelain veneers. At Las Vegas Aesthetic Dentistry, Dr. Tati Pilosyan and our team have extensive experience with veneers and are ready to help you transform your smile in our beautiful Henderson office.

Contact us to schedule a porcelain veneer consultation and discuss the procedure, cost, and the stunning results you can expect.

porcelain veneers, veneersTatevik PilosyanJune 3, 2025porcelain veneers, veneers