Do You Have to Brush Veneers?

At Smoke Rise Dental in Stone Mountain, GA, one of the most common questions we receive is:

“Do I still need to brush if I have dental veneers?”

The answer is a definite yes. Veneers are crafted to enhance the appearance of your smile, but they don’t protect you from oral health problems like tooth decay, gum disease, or bad breath. While veneers don’t decay, the natural tooth underneath and the surrounding gums remain vulnerable if not properly cared for.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through:

• What Happens If You Don’t Brush Your Veneers?
• How to clean and maintain veneers the right way
• The risks of neglecting daily oral hygiene
• And how Dr. Hassan Moeti and the compassionate team at Smoke Rise Dental can help you keep your smile healthy, strong, and beautiful for years to come.

What Are Veneers Made Of?

Dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells crafted from porcelain or composite resin that bond to the front of your teeth to enhance your smile. They are ideal for fixing:

• Discoloration
• Chipped or broken teeth
• Irregular shapes or gaps

While porcelain is stain-resistant and longer-lasting, both types require proper care because they only cover the front portion of your teeth, not the entire tooth structure or gums.

Do I Still Need to Brush Veneers? Yes, Here’s Why

Brushing your veneers isn’t optional. Here’s why this daily habit still matters:

1. To Prevent Tooth Decay

Veneers don’t protect your entire tooth. The margins where veneers meet natural enamel are prime spots for plaque buildup and decay. Bacteria entering that space can erode the underlying tooth, leading to cavities or infection.

A study in the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry revealed that poor oral hygiene is one of the leading causes of veneer failure.

2. To Maintain Healthy Gums

Gum tissue still interacts with veneers like it does with real teeth. If plaque collects near the gumline, it can lead to gingivitis or periodontitis, which causes gum recession. As gums recede, veneer edges can become visible, loose, or even fall off.

3. To Avoid Bad Breath and Discoloration

While porcelain is stain-resistant, bacteria and plaque around veneers still smell. Plus, food particles that sit along the gumline can cause yellowing where veneers meet gums. Daily brushing helps prevent this.

How to Brush Veneers the Right Way

Here’s a quick guide to cleaning veneers effectively:

Use a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush

Always choose a soft-bristled manual or electric toothbrush to clean veneers gently. Hard bristles can scratch the veneer surface and irritate your gums, reducing the lifespan of your dental work and affecting overall oral health.

Use Non-Abrasive, Fluoride Toothpaste

Opt for a fluoride toothpaste that’s labeled non-abrasive. Avoid whitening pastes, charcoal, or baking soda-based formulas, as they can dull the veneer’s shine and damage the glaze, eventually leading to a worn or uneven appearance.

Brush for Two Minutes Twice Daily

Brush your teeth and veneers for two full minutes, twice each day, to effectively remove plaque and prevent decay. Pair this with daily flossing to clean between teeth and maintain the health of both gums and restorations.

Rinse with Alcohol-Free Mouthwash

Choose a gentle, alcohol-free mouthwash to reduce bacteria without drying your mouth or affecting the adhesive that bonds veneers. This helps preserve your gum health and protects the long-term integrity of your dental restorations.

What Happens If You Don’t Brush Your Veneers?

Neglecting to brush your veneers can lead to several oral health and cosmetic problems. Here’s what can go wrong:

1. Tooth Decay Beneath the Veneer: Plaque can build up along the edges (margins) of the veneer, leading to decay in the natural tooth underneath.
2. Gum Disease (Gingivitis or Periodontitis):  Without brushing, bacteria accumulate near the gumline, causing inflammation, bleeding, and gum recession, which may expose the root surfaces.
3. Bad Breath (Halitosis): Food particles and bacteria trapped around the veneers can cause persistent bad breath if not removed through brushing.
4. Stains at the Gumline: While veneers resist stains, the bonding area near your gums can still discolor, making your smile look uneven or dirty.
5. Veneer Loosening or Failure: Poor hygiene weakens the adhesive and can lead to veneer detachment, chipping, or early replacement.
6. Costly Dental Repairs: Fixing decay or replacing failed veneers is expensive and time-consuming, but preventive care is far more affordable

Science-Backed Oral Hygiene Advice

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends brushing twice daily and flossing once per day, even if you have restorations like crowns or veneers.

According to the ADA, individuals should brush their teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and clean between their teeth once a day using floss or another interdental cleaner. 

These practices are essential for maintaining oral health, especially for those with dental restorations like veneers or crowns. Regular brushing and flossing help prevent plaque buildup, tooth decay, and gum disease, ensuring the longevity of natural teeth and dental restorations.

Smoke Rise Dental: Veneer Care Experts in Stone Mountain

At Smoke Rise Dental, we combine modern technology with a compassionate approach to help you care for your veneers long-term. Led by Dr. Hassan Moeti, a dentist with over 20 years of experience, we offer:

• BIOLASE® WaterLase: Gentle, pain-free dental cleanings
• Same-Day CEREC® Crowns: For fast, precise restorations
• TeethXpress and BioHorizons Implants: For comprehensive cosmetic and restorative care

Our entire team is dedicated to helping you maintain your veneers with:

• Customized care plans
• Sedation options for anxious patients
• Ongoing education and maintenance tips

We’re open five days a week and accept flexible financing plans to help you manage your oral health budget.

Final Thoughts: Brushing Veneers Is Essential

Veneers are an amazing way to improve your smile, but they’re not a shortcut to brushing. Just like natural teeth, they need regular cleaning to protect your health, smile, and investment.

With a little care, your veneers can last well over a decade and keep your smile radiant.

Call Smoke Rise Dental today at (678) 730-4991 or book your appointment online to keep your smile in its best shape!

FAQs

Can veneers get cavities?

No, veneers can’t decay, but the natural tooth underneath can get cavities if plaque accumulates at the edges.

How often should I brush and floss with veneers?

Brush twice daily and floss once a day, just like you would with natural teeth.

Can I use an electric toothbrush on the veneers?

Yes, but ensure it’s equipped with soft bristles and you don’t apply too much pressure.

What kind of toothpaste is best?

Use non-abrasive toothpaste that contains fluoride. Avoid whitening pastes and charcoal-based products.

How long do veneers last?

With proper care and hygiene, veneers can last 10 to 15 years and sometimes longer.

Bibliography & Sources

1.  Toothbrushing Guidelines and Best Practices.
2.  Long-term clinical performance of porcelain veneers: the impact of oral hygiene and patient behavior.
3. Dental Veneers: What to Know Before You Get Them.