What Will Happen if You Don’t Take Care of Your Veneers?

07/15/2025

Veneers are a popular choice in Cincinnati for enhancing your smile and boosting your confidence. They consist of composite or porcelain shells that fit over the front of your teeth to correct problems such as wide gaps, misalignment, discoloration, chips, and other cosmetic issues. Although durable, veneers are not permanent and do not last forever. To maintain your look, you’ll need to replace them every few years. But knowing how to care for them can help you keep them longer.

Failing to care for your veneers can lead to many problems, the least of which is having to replace them prematurely. Your local dental experts at Beckham Square Family Dental want you to get the most from your veneers. But several unpleasant things can happen if you don’t care for them properly or neglect your dental hygiene.

Discoloration

Some people get veneers because they can resist stains. However, the natural teeth surrounding your veneers will change color over time, especially if you neglect to brush adequately, smoke, or consume lots of coffee or red wine. Additionally, if you opt for composite veneers, be aware that they may stain from dark-colored beverages. Even without discoloration, a veneer’s shine can become dull when plaque and tartar build up.

Gum Recession and Gum Disease

Gum recession and periodontal disease are always something to guard against, whether or not you’ve had dental work. However, when poor dental hygiene leads to gum recession, the edges of your veneers become exposed, creating crevices that can collect food particles and harmful bacteria. Not only do you have an aesthetic problem, but you also increase your risk of tooth decay and more serious gum disease.

Veneer Damage

Dental veneers are well-known for their durability, but that doesn’t mean they’re entirely immune to damage. You can incur chips and cracks when you do any of the following:

Grinding or clenching your teeth, putting undue pressure on the veneers
Biting your nails or chewing on ice, pens, or other hard objects
Not wearing a mouthguard during sports or when sleeping

If significant damage occurs, you may need to replace your veneers sooner than the typical replacement time.

How to Take Care of Your Veneers

Ideally, your veneers will last 10-15 years with proper care. However, poor dental hygiene and neglect can lead to early replacements, resulting in higher costs in the long run. Taking care of your veneers requires the following healthy habits, which apply regardless of your dental work:

Brush at least twice a day with non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Floss once a day.
Reduce your intake of foods and drinks that stain your teeth.
Avoid chewing on ice and other hard objects.
Consider using a mouthguard if you tend to grind your teeth at night.
See your local dentist for regular cleanings and exams every six months or more often.

Protect Your Veneers with Expert Dental Care in Cincinnati

Veneers are a relatively simple cosmetic solution, but they’re an investment worth protecting. They require the same amount of care and attention as your natural teeth and other dental work. Avoid damage and discoloration by maintaining a consistent dental hygiene routine.

The team at Beckham Square Family Dental can be your partners in providing and preserving your veneers over the long term. Contact us today if you have questions about veneer care or want to schedule your next checkup.