Does Veneer and teeth cleaning need special care?

Question

I just recently got a veneer. When getting the teeth cleaned, is special care needed? Do I have to let my dentist know about the veneer? Thank you!

Ace Jovanovski, DMD · Answer

Greetings from TEXAS! I have a unique perspective on Veneers: I am a restorative specialist (Prosthodontist) and also a certified dental technician (CDT). I have restored MANY veneers. Advances in dental laboratory materials have allowed us to fabricate thinner, stronger, more esthetic veneers, compared to years past. The "glue" or resin used to bond these restorations is still a limiting factor, which must be maintained, and not damaged. HOME CARE: Porcelain is very stain resistant, however, the resin composite cement used to bond to the teeth can be susceptible to stain.  Alcoholic beverages soften the surface of the resin (dehydration), increasing the likelihood of staining and wear.  Some of the "whitening" toothpastes contain "Silica," or in other words, literally, "ground glass." Aggressive tooth brushing can scratch the borders of the veneers. Although porcelain is not susceptible to decay, the remaining tooth structure is: Avoid frequent carbohydrate intake (i.e., soda, sweets, etc.), increase home flossing, and maintain professional cleanings (3-4X yearly, instead of 1-2X yearly).Sonic toothbrushes are excellent for caring for porcelain veneers.  In fact, research shows that sonic toothbrushes perform the best at cleaning tooth surfaces, compared to standard or rotary brushes.... I use one at home! Sonic toothbrushes have soft bristles that vibrate, and their effect is to clean and polish the veneers, without scratching them. HYGIENIST: Never use power polishing equipment in excess, it can remove the glaze layer that the ceramist puts on the veneer before returning to the dentist for delivery.  Once you have removed the glaze layer, it cannot be reapplied (it is fired in a porcelain oven at 800 degrees Celsius), unless the veneer is cut off. With the glaze intact, porcelain is very resistant to stain.Avoid using an ultrasonic scaler in excess on teeth with porcelain veneers. There is a higher possibility that the edges of the veneer can be nicked and/or chipped.WAIT!! Didn't you tell me TO USE a sonic brush??  DON'T GET CONFUSED: we warn against the heavy use of ultrasonic scalers (used by the hygienist), since they have metal tips that vibrate at ultrasonic speeds. That warning DOES NOT apply to sonic toothbrushes (they have a soft bristle surface, not metal).  As with all medical information, I recommend asking your friendly dentist in a consultation, before any decisions are made.Hope that helps!

Nirav Patel, MDS, PhD · Answer

no addition oral care is required. your dentist will work accordingly during scaling / cleaning.  so no need to worry.

Does Veneer and teeth cleaning need special care?

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Does Veneer and teeth cleaning need special care?

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Everything you need to know about Porcelain Veneers

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.