Veneer Preparation & Aftercare

If you have made the decision to get dental veneers, you likely want to take proper care of your dental health investment. Learning how to properly care for your veneers can help keep your smile shining bright after your procedure. While aftercare is critical, preparing for your veneer procedure is also important. Find out how to prepare for your veneer procedure and tips and tricks to help your veneers last their recommended lifespan. 

Before Veneers

There is not a lot of preparation required before getting veneers. It is important to remember that veneers require multiple appointments over a couple of weeks, so ensure you have time to fit in all your appointments.  

Prepare your teeth

Before you get veneers, it is important to ensure your teeth are in good condition. This could be as simple as a deep dental cleaning. A dentist may suggest fillings or dental implants to ensure your teeth and gums are healthy before your veneer procedure. If you have extremely poor oral health, you may not be a candidate for veneers. 

Purchase soft foods

It is recommended to have soft foods on hand following your veneer procedure. Soft foods are beneficial, especially when you have your temporary veneers on. Your mouth may be sore following the permanent veneers, making soft food a good choice. Common foods patients like to eat after veneers include:

• Eggs
• Mashed potatoes
• Bananas
• Pasta
• Chicken (small pieces)
• Whitefish

Pain management medication 

Having ibuprofen available for your pain management for 24 to 48 hours after your veneer procedure can be smart as well. If you have been experiencing pain for longer than a couple of days, be sure to contact your dental office. 

Veneer Aftercare

Taking care of your veneers is not much different than taking care of your teeth. You will notice that your temporary veneers, typically on for two weeks, require the most aftercare. 

Continue good dental hygiene

You will want to care for your veneers as you did before your procedure. It is important to continue to correctly brush your teeth twice a day. With temporary veneers, you should avoid flossing. You can resume flossing once your permanent veneers have been placed. 

Avoid certain food and drink 

Temporary veneers are more susceptible to staining from foods and drinks. Drinking coffee through a straw can help prevent your veneers from picking up color. The same goes for dark drinks such as fruit juices and red wine. Fruits such as blueberries and blackberries can also cause some discoloration. If you do have these foods, rinse your mouth after eating. Your permanent veneers are not as susceptible to being stained, but they cannot be whitened, so be conscious of dark food and drink intake following your final veneer procedure.   

Hard foods should be avoided after temporary and permanent veneers. Popcorn and nuts are prime foods that can be harsh on your veneers. Certain hard foods, such as apples and pears, can be consumed, but it is recommended that they are cut into small pieces and chewed with your back teeth as much as possible.  

Wear a mouthguard

If you grind your teeth, it is important to wear your mouthguard following veneers. This will help to prevent your veneers from quickly wearing down. Those who severely grind their teeth might not be a good candidates for veneers. 

Are you still learning about veneers?

If you are looking to learn more about the basics of veneers, check out What to Know About Dental Veneers or contact our office to schedule an appointment to find out if veneers are right for you.