Dental veneers are a very popular service in modern dentistry. Veneers are thin, semi-translucent porcelain shells that are attached to the front side of your teeth. Your porcelain veneer specialist can instantly enhance the appearance of your smile, making the teeth whiter and even changing their size and shape. However, having your teeth covered with dental veneers does not mean that you do not need to maintain thorough oral hygiene. Brushing your teeth twice a day is essential, but can you floss with veneers? In this article, we will answer this question.

Can You Floss With Veneers?

The short answer is yes, you can floss with dental veneers. In fact, it is absolutely essential for preserving your oral health and avoiding tooth decay under the veneers to continue flossing every evening.

Flossing with dental veneers might be slightly tricky in some cases. The best option is to choose a waxed floss to gently clean the space between the teeth. The motion is similar to when you floss your natural teeth: slide the floss up and down between the teeth, making sure you clean both sides of each tooth. However, keep in mind that you should not pull the floss too hard and avoid snapping it against your veneers.

In addition to traditional flossing you can try using a water flosser. It is helpful when it comes to cleaning your teeth along the gumline. It also can loosen the food residue and plaque in between the teeth. However, some dentists suggest that a water flosser should be an addition to the traditional floss, and can not replace flossing or especially brushing your teeth.

How to Take Care of Your Veneers and General Oral Health?

In general, your hygiene routine with dental veneers will be similar to the one you had with your natural teeth. However, there are several special points you need to keep in mind.

Brush Your Teeth Twice a Day

You should brush your teeth carefully but thoroughly at least twice a day. Brushing is the best way to get rid of bacteria, food particles, and plaque in your mouth. It is also important for the longevity of your veneers because it prevents bacterial growth, leading to tooth decay underneath the veneers. Secondly, it helps to preserve the original color of the veneers.

Use a Non-Abrasive Toothbrush and Toothpaste

If your toothpaste has abrasive ingredients like soda, it is very likely to damage the surface of your veneers. Micro abrasions can occur on your veneers, leading to staining and discoloration, as food residue and bacteria will collect inside them. Similarly, a hard and abrasive toothbrush produces the same effect.

Try an Interdental Brush

If it is hard to reach some places with a traditional floss, try an interdental brush. These are tiny brushes that are effective at cleaning in between your teeth. Ask your dentist to help you choose the right size of a brush and to show you the proper cleaning technique.

Do Not Use Over-the-counter Whitening Solutions

If your veneers start losing their initial brightness, it might be tempting to try over-the-counter whitening solutions. However, such solutions usually contain bleach or other ingredients that are not compatible with porcelain or composite—the materials dental veneers are made of. Only a professional cleaning at a dental office can improve the appearance of veneers.

Do Not Use Your Teeth as Tools or Chew on Hard Objects and Foods

Biting hard on objects and foods or using your teeth as tools might cause your veneers to crack, chip, or break. In most cases, a broken veneer is not possible to med, and it will have to be replaced.

Wear a Mouthguard

If you play sports, especially contact sports or sports where the risk of facial trauma is high, wear a mouthguard to protect your veneers from chipping and cracking.

Visit Your Dentist Regularly

Visiting your dentist every 6 to 12 months for checkups and professional cleanings is a must for maintaining your oral health and preserving the initial color of your veneers. Dental veneers can get discolored if plaque collects on and around them. Your dentist can remove the plaque that you can not remove at home by brushing your teeth. On top of that, your dentist will have an opportunity to spot any potential oral health issues before they become a serious problem. It will save you time and money in the long run.

Make an Appointment Today

If you have more questions about dental veneers, need a consultation, or a professional cleaning, do not hesitate to call the affordable dental office Absolute Family Dentistry today. Make an appointment with one of our specialists to take care of your oral health and the beauty of your smile. We are looking forward to welcoming you to our office.