At Desert Dental in Hermiston, I often see patients invest in dental veneers to enhance their smiles. But once those veneers are placed, the next step is just as important: learning how to maintain them. Proper care ensures your veneers look natural and last for years to come.
I’m Dr. Ryan Wieseler, and in this guide, I’ll walk you through daily care routines, food restrictions, maintenance strategies, and signs your veneers may need attention. Whether you’ve just received your veneers or are looking to extend their lifespan, this comprehensive guide is designed for patients right here in Hermiston, OR.
Daily Care Routine for Veneers in Hermiston, OR
How do dental veneers work?
Dental veneers work by bonding thin, tooth-colored shells to the front of your natural teeth. This cosmetic solution masks discoloration, chips, or spacing issues while preserving much of your natural tooth structure.
How should you clean and brush veneers every day?
To maintain dental veneers properly, you should follow a consistent oral hygiene routine at home. Here’s what I recommend to my patients:
- Brush twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss gently once daily to remove plaque buildup along the gumline.
- Rinse with alcohol-free mouthwash to reduce bacteria without damaging the veneer’s surface.
How do you take care of dental veneers at home?
How to take care of dental veneers at home starts with gentle techniques. Avoid using harsh whitening pastes, which can dull veneer surfaces. If you’re brushing too hard or using stiff bristles, you risk scratching the porcelain.
Do dental cleanings hurt porcelain veneers?
Patients sometimes ask, “Do dental cleanings hurt porcelain veneers?” The answer is no. During regular visits, we use specialized polishing tools to clean your veneers safely. You can trust that routine cleanings at Desert Dental won’t damage your restorations.
If you’re still choosing your veneer material, it’s helpful to review the types of dental veneers available in Hermiston, which can influence your cleaning approach.
Foods to Avoid with Veneers in Hermiston
Can you eat with dental veneers?
You can eat with dental veneers, but you should be selective about what you consume. Right after placement, I recommend sticking to soft foods for a few days as your mouth adjusts.
What can you eat after getting dental veneers?
Once healed, here’s what to keep in mind:
Best foods after getting veneers:
- Scrambled eggs
- Soft fruits (bananas, peaches)
- Yogurt or cottage cheese
- Cooked vegetables
Are there foods and drinks that should be avoided?
Yes. Here are the foods and drinks to limit or avoid:
- Sticky foods like caramel or chewing gum
- Hard nuts or popcorn kernels
- Ice cubes (chewing them can crack veneers)
- Dark-colored beverages like coffee, red wine, and cola
Even though porcelain veneers resist staining, your natural teeth do not. To maintain a uniform smile, reduce intake of staining agents or rinse with water after consuming them.
If you’re wearing temporary veneers or trying alternatives like press-on options, the rules are even stricter. Stick to a soft diet until your final veneers are placed and polished.
At Desert Dental, we help patients in Hermiston make food choices that extend the life of their veneers and support overall oral health.
Habits to Avoid That Can Damage Veneers
Do dental veneers damage your natural teeth?
No, dental veneers do not damage your natural teeth when applied properly by a trained dentist.
Veneers are thin shells, usually made of porcelain or composite resin, that are bonded to the front surface of your teeth. To place them, your dentist may need to remove a very small amount of enamel (usually less than 0.5 mm) to ensure a proper fit and natural look. While this enamel removal is permanent, it doesn’t harm the tooth structure or make the tooth weaker if done correctly.
Can you chew tough foods or bite hard objects?
You can chew most foods normally with dental veneers, but you should avoid biting down on hard objects or very tough foods to prevent damaging them.
Avoid these habits to protect your veneers:
- Chewing on pens, fingernails, or ice
- Using your teeth to open packages
- Grinding or clenching (bruxism)
- Smoking tobacco
Biting hard objects can lead to cracks or chips in your veneers. Smoking may not directly harm porcelain, but it can stain surrounding teeth and reduce overall oral health.
Should you stop smoking or grinding your teeth?
Patients often ask, “Can I chew with dental veneers?” Yes, but avoid excessive pressure. Cut hard foods into smaller pieces and chew with your back teeth.
If you grind your teeth at night, I’ll likely recommend a custom night guard to protect your veneers. These appliances help prevent wear, especially for patients prone to clenching.
Good veneer care means avoiding destructive habits. At Desert Dental, we help Hermiston patients identify and address these risks before damage occurs. For a more comprehensive approach to your smile, explore our cosmetic dentistry care in Hermiston.
Regular Veneer Maintenance in Hermiston, OR
How often should you visit your Hermiston dentist for veneers?
You should visit your Hermiston dentist every 6 months for routine checkups and cleanings, even if you have veneers. Regular dental visits are essential to maintaining veneers. At our Hermiston office, we recommend patients come in every six months for preventive checkups and cleanings.
What should a veneer checkup include?
A veneer checkup should include a comprehensive evaluation of your veneers, natural teeth, and gums to ensure everything is healthy and functioning properly.
During a typical visit, we:
- Examine the veneer edges for separation or wear
- Polish veneers with non-abrasive tools
- Check gum health around the restoration
- Discuss at-home care techniques
Can veneers be repaired or polished if they wear down?
Yes, veneers can sometimes be repaired or polished, depending on the extent of the damage and the material used.
Your veneers can last much longer with professional maintenance. If we catch minor issues early, like dulling or microchips, we can polish or repair them without needing a full replacement.
Some patients ask if veneers can be re-bonded or resurfaced. In certain cases, yes. Composite veneers are easier to adjust, while porcelain may require full replacement depending on the damage.
We incorporate general dentistry preventive services into every veneer maintenance visit, ensuring your entire smile remains healthy.
If problems arise, we also offer restorative dentistry solutions in Hermiston to repair or replace worn veneers.
Signs of Wear and When to Replace Veneers
How long do dental veneers usually last?
Dental veneers typically last 10–15 years for porcelain and 5–7 years for composite. However, several signs can indicate it’s time for a replacement.
What are signs your veneers are wearing out?
Common signs your veneers are wearing out:
- Visible chips or cracks
- Staining that won’t polish out
- Loose edges or separation from the tooth
- Sensitivity or discomfort when chewing
- Uneven bite or misalignment
When should veneers be replaced by your Hermiston dentist?
You should consider having your veneers replaced by your Hermiston dentist if they show signs of wear, damage, or underlying oral health issues.
Porcelain is highly durable, but not invincible. Lifestyle factors, such as diet, teeth grinding, or skipping checkups, can shorten veneer lifespan.
Patients often ask, “How long do veneers last compared with crowns?” Veneers typically last slightly less than full crowns due to their thinner structure, but they’re more conservative and aesthetic.
If you’re noticing changes in your veneers, visit our Hermiston office for an evaluation. Dr. Ryan Wieseler can determine whether repair or replacement is needed and guide you through the process.
In some cases, veneers are part of a broader plan to correct aesthetic concerns. Check out our blog post, “How Do You Fix Teeth That Look Like Fangs?”, which explores veneer-based solutions in more detail.
Common Questions About Dental Veneers
Does dental insurance cover veneers?
Most dental insurance plans do not cover veneers because they are considered a cosmetic procedure. However, some plans may offer partial coverage if veneers are needed for structural reasons.
How much do dental veneers cost?
In Hermiston, OR, porcelain veneers typically range from $900 to $2,500 per tooth. Composite options may be more affordable but have a shorter lifespan.
Does Delta Dental cover veneers?
Delta Dental generally does not cover veneers because they are considered a cosmetic elective procedure, rather than a medically necessary treatment. In very limited cases, you might receive coverage if veneers are medically necessary, such as for structural restoration after trauma or disease, not merely cosmetic enhancement.
Do dental veneers stain?
Yes, dental veneers can stain, but it depends on the material. Porcelain veneers resist staining, while composite veneers are more prone to discoloration. Avoid coffee, tea, and tobacco for best results.
How long do dental veneers last?
Porcelain veneers last 10–15 years with proper care. Composite veneers typically last 5–7 years.
Protect Your Veneers with Expert Care in Hermiston
Taking care of your dental veneers doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does require consistency. From brushing gently and avoiding certain foods to scheduling regular checkups, small daily habits can make a big difference in how long your veneers last.
With the right guidance and support, you can extend the life of your veneers and enjoy a confident smile every day.
Schedule Your Veneer Checkup in Hermiston, OR
If you have dental veneers or are considering them, schedule a visit with me at Desert Dental in Hermiston. We’ll help you maintain your veneers, check for signs of wear, and keep your smile looking its best. Book your veneer care appointment today and protect your investment for the long term.
