Porcelain veneers maintenance is simple and necessary. Daily gentle brushing, smart food choices, protective gear, and regular dental visits are what keep your veneers strong, glossy, and natural-looking for years.
The truth is, the way you brush, floss, eat, and even sleep can make a big difference in how long your veneers last and how good they look over time.
When patients come in for cosmetic veneers, I always remind them: you’ve put time, energy, and resources into creating your smile. Now the goal is to protect it.
Veneers can last 10–15 years (sometimes longer!) if you treat them well, but I’ve also seen them chip, stain, or fail early when they aren’t cared for properly.
I’m going to walk you through everything I tell my own patients, step by step:
- What veneers are (and why maintenance matters)
- The best daily habits to keep them looking new
- Foods and habits to avoid if you want them to last
- My top professional care tips, based on years of treating veneer patients
- When to see your dentist and how to know if it’s time for a replacement
Think of this as your veneer care cheat sheet, straight from a dentist who’s seen what works (and what doesn’t) in real life.
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What are veneers & why they need maintenance
Veneers are thin shells that I bond to the front of your teeth to instantly transform the shape, color, and overall look of your smile.
They’re strong and beautiful, but like anything else, they need the right care if you want them to last.
The main types of veneers I work with
- Porcelain veneers. These are the most durable and natural-looking. With good care, they usually last 10–15 years, sometimes even longer.
- Composite veneers. Made from resin. You may know them as dental bonding. They’re more affordable but not as strong. They last closer to 4–8 years.
- No-prep veneers. My specialty! These are ultra-thin, minimally invasive (prepless) veneers that don’t require much (if any) drilling of enamel. They preserve more of your natural tooth, which is one reason so many people love them.
I’ve become known for my No Prep Veneer method. It’s a treatment where I custom-design each smile so it looks cohesive and natural within your unique facial features. Patients fly in from around the country for this. I’ve been fortunate to be featured in places like Vogue, Allure, Forbes, and Glamour for my work.
Why maintenance matters
Even though veneers are designed to be strong:
- They can still chip if you’re chewing on ice, biting your nails, or grinding your teeth.
- They don’t get cavities themselves, but the teeth and gums underneath still can.
- Porcelain is stain-resistant, but it isn’t completely stain-proof, especially around the edges.
So while veneers give you that dream smile, it’s the little daily habits (and those twice-a-year dentist visits) that keep them looking brand-new for as long as possible.
Further Reading: Do People Regret Getting Veneers?
How much do veneers cost?
It’s only natural to ask about the price first. And that’s what I usually get from patients.
The cost of veneers depends on the material and how many teeth you’re treating. On average, porcelain veneers range from about $925 to $2,500 per tooth. Composite veneers are more affordable, usually between $250 and $1,500 per tooth.
Porcelain costs more upfront, but it’s also stronger and holds its appearance longer. A composite can be a good short-term option, especially if you’re on a tighter budget.
How long do veneers last?
The next thing patients usually ask me after price is how long their veneers will hold up.
Porcelain veneers generally last 10 to 15 years. With excellent care, I’ve seen them last closer to 20.
Composite veneers don’t last as long. Most people need to replace them after 4 to 8 years.
The difference really comes down to care. Patients who:
- brush gently
- floss daily
- wear their night guard
- come in for regular cleanings
…usually get several extra years out of their veneers compared to those who skip those steps.
How should I take care of my veneers every day?
Taking care of veneers isn’t complicated. In fact, most of the steps are the same as keeping your natural teeth healthy. It just requires a little extra attention to the details.
I usually tell my patients to focus on three main things:
Brushing twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush and a non-abrasive toothpaste.
Whitening or charcoal pastes can be too harsh and create tiny scratches on veneers, which makes them look dull over time.
I created a guide with the curated list of the best toothpaste for veneers in 2025!
Flossing once a day.
A lot of people worry that flossing might pull their veneers off, but that’s not true.
Veneers are bonded with strong dental cement. Flossing is actually one of the best ways to protect them, because it prevents cavities and gum problems around the edges.
A water flosser is another great option if you prefer.
Being gentle around the edges.
Veneers don’t decay, but the tooth and gums underneath them still can. Keeping the edges clean helps prevent staining and keeps your gums healthy, which is what ultimately supports your veneers.
When patients stick to this simple routine, their veneers stay glossy and natural-looking for years.
What habits should I avoid with veneers?
Veneers are strong, but they’re not indestructible. I always remind my patients that the little everyday habits matter. Just as much as brushing and flossing.
Can I eat hard foods with veneers?
Don’t bite directly into hard foods like ice, hard candy, or popcorn kernels. Even healthy foods like raw carrots or apples can put too much pressure on the edge of a veneer.
Cut them into small pieces and use your back teeth to chew instead.
Can I chew sticky foods with veneers?
Sticky foods such as caramel or taffy can tug at veneers and weaken their bond over time. I usually recommend avoiding them altogether.
Can I use my teeth as tools with veneers?
No. Don’t use your teeth to open packages, bite your nails, or chew on pen caps. These habits put stress on veneers and are one of the most common reasons they chip or crack.
Can veneers stain from food and drinks?
Porcelain itself is stain-resistant, but the edges of veneers and your natural teeth around them can discolor.
Drinks like coffee, tea, red wine, and dark sodas are common culprits. If you enjoy them, use a straw when you can and rinse with water afterward to help prevent staining.
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Do veneers get stained from smoking?
Yes. Smoking and tobacco products can stain veneers and the surrounding teeth, leaving them looking dull or discolored.
If you’ve invested in veneers, avoiding tobacco is one of the best things you can do for both your smile and your health.
Can I grind my teeth if I have veneers?
Grinding or clenching (also called bruxism) puts a lot of pressure on veneers. It can cause them to chip or break.
I’ve seen firsthand what bruxism does to teeth. And it’s not pretty.
If you grind your teeth, a custom night guard is one of the best investments you can make. It protects your veneers, your natural teeth, and even helps reduce jaw pain over time.
How should I take care of temporary veneers?
Temporary veneers are a little different from your final ones. They’re not permanently bonded, which makes them more delicate.
I usually tell my patients to think of temporaries as a “test run” for their new smile, but with extra caution.
Can I eat normally with temporary veneers?
Stick with softer foods while you have temporaries. Things like smoothies, pasta, or cooked vegetables are fine.
Avoid biting into anything hard or chewy. The temporaries can pop off more easily than your final veneers.
How should I brush and floss temporary veneers?
Be gentle. Use a soft toothbrush and brush carefully around the edges.
When flossing, slide the floss out through the side instead of pulling it straight up, so you don’t loosen a veneer.
A water flosser is another great tool during this stage. It’s gentle and keeps your gums healthy without tugging on the veneers.
Will my dentist give me care instructions?
Yes. Every cosmetic dentist has their own protocol, and you’ll leave the office with specific instructions.
I always give my patients a little “goodie bag” of products and tips so they know exactly how to take care of their temporaries at home.
How often should I see the dentist if I have veneers?
I always recommend seeing your dentist every six months. Those visits are a chance to check on your veneers, your gums, and the teeth underneath.
Veneers look great on the outside, but problems can sometimes start where you can’t see them.
What happens at a veneer checkup?
Dentists usually:
- Polish your veneers so they stay glossy and natural-looking
- Check that the bond is still strong and secure
- Look closely for tiny chips or cracks starting to form
- Examine your gums, since healthy gums keep veneers stable long-term
- Take X-rays if they see something suspicious, like a cavity starting at the edge
Why these visits matter
I can’t stress this enough: the better you stay on top of your regular checkups, the longer your veneers last.
I’ve had patients keep their veneers looking beautiful for close to 20 years simply because they never missed their six-month visits. It’s one of the easiest ways to protect your investment and your smile.
How do I know when veneers need to be replaced?
Veneers don’t last forever, even with the best care. Most patients will need to replace them at some point, usually between 10 and 20 years. It all depends on the type of veneer and daily habits.
What are the signs it’s time?
You may need a replacement if you notice:
- Chips or cracks on the surface
- Gaps showing at the edges
- Discoloration that doesn’t improve with professional polishing
- Discomfort or sensitivity under a veneer
- A veneer that feels loose or unstable
Quick side note before we wrap up on replacements… let’s talk about something I get asked about all the time: “veneer breath.”
The truth is, veneer breath is real, but it doesn’t mean everyone with veneers has it. Most of my patients actually have excellent oral hygiene because they’re so proud of their smile.
And fun fact: about 65% of Americans deal with halitosis (bad breath, whether they have veneers or not.
👉 I shared a quick IG reel breaking this down. Have you ever smelled veneer breath?
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What should I expect when it’s time?
Replacing veneers is similar to the process of getting them the first time.
Your dentist will remove the old veneers, check the health of the teeth underneath, and then design and bond new ones. Patients are often surprised at how refreshed their smile looks once they replace older veneers.
FAQs About Veneers Maintenance
Do veneers require maintenance?
Yes. Veneers need daily brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups, just like natural teeth. They don’t decay, but the teeth and gums around them still can, so good care is essential.
What happens after 20 years with veneers?
Most veneers need to be replaced after 10 to 20 years. If you’ve taken excellent care of them, they may last longer, but eventually the bonding or the porcelain wears down, and new veneers are needed.
How do I take good care of my veneers?
Brush gently twice a day with a soft toothbrush, floss daily, rinse after staining foods or drinks, wear a night guard if you grind your teeth, and see your dentist every six months.
What is the downside to veneers?
Veneers are not reversible, and they eventually need replacement. They can chip or crack if you’re hard on them, and they don’t respond to whitening treatments. The “dark side” of veneers usually comes from poor planning or poor maintenance, which can lead to staining, bad breath, or problems with the teeth underneath.
Can veneers get cavities?
The veneers themselves can’t, but the teeth under and around them can. That’s why flossing, brushing, and regular checkups are so important.
Can I whiten my veneers at home?
No. Whitening strips and gels don’t work on veneers. If your veneers look dull or stained, professional polishing may help, but often replacement is the only way to restore their original brightness.
Are composite veneers harder to care for?
Yes. Composite veneers are more porous than porcelain, which means they stain and wear down faster. They need extra attention to daily care and more frequent touch-ups or replacements.
Key Takeaways
- Veneers need daily care just like natural teeth. Gentle brushing, flossing, and regular checkups.
- Porcelain veneers last 10–15 years on average, while composite lasts 4–8.
- Avoid hard, sticky, and staining foods; don’t use your teeth as tools.
- Night guards protect veneers if you grind or clench.
- Temporary veneers require extra caution until your finals are bonded.
- Veneers can’t decay, but the teeth and gums underneath them can.
- Veneers don’t whiten at home. Professional care or replacement is needed.
