Veneers Aftercare: First Week & Long-Term Care

The First 48 Hours

The bonding cement used to attach your veneers reaches full strength within 24–48 hours. During this window:

• Eat soft foods — yoghurt, soup, pasta, scrambled eggs, and similar.
• Avoid extremes of temperature — very hot coffee or ice-cold drinks can cause sensitivity while the bond cures.
• Do not bite directly into hard foods with your front teeth — cut food into smaller pieces instead.
• Brush gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste.
• Some sensitivity is normal — it typically settles within 2–5 days. If it worsens or persists beyond a week, contact your dentist.

The First Week

By the end of the first week, most patients feel completely adjusted to their new veneers. During this period:

• Your bite may feel slightly different — this is normal as your jaw muscles adapt to the new tooth contours.
• Gums around the veneers may be tender from the fitting process. Gentle saltwater rinses (half a teaspoon of salt in warm water) can help soothe them.
• Avoid sticky foods (toffee, chewing gum) that could pull on the bonding before it has fully matured.
• Limit consumption of strong staining agents — coffee, red wine, turmeric, and soy sauce — while the cement is settling.
• Avoid alcohol-based mouthwashes, which can weaken the bonding cement. Use an alcohol-free alternative instead.

Brushing and Flossing

Once past the initial settling period, care for your veneers exactly as you would natural teeth — with a few considerations:

• Brush twice daily for two minutes with a soft-bristled or electric toothbrush. Sonic-style electric brushes are particularly effective at cleaning around the gum line.
• Use non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste. Avoid "whitening" toothpastes that contain harsh abrasives, as these can dull the polished surface of porcelain over time.
• Floss daily using standard floss, interdental brushes, or a water flosser. Slide floss gently — avoid snapping it upward, which can stress the bonding.
• Pay attention to the gum line — plaque build-up around the margins of veneers can cause gum recession and expose the bonded edge.

Staining Prevention

High-quality porcelain (such as E-max lithium disilicate) is highly stain-resistant — significantly more so than composite bonding or natural enamel. However, the bonding cement at the edges of the veneer can pick up discolouration over time, particularly with:

• Coffee, tea, and red wine
• Turmeric, soy sauce, and berries
• Tobacco (smoking or chewing)

You do not need to eliminate these entirely, but rinsing with water after consuming staining foods and maintaining regular professional cleaning will keep edges looking crisp. Learn more about veneer lifespan in our guide on how long veneers last.

Can you whiten veneers? No — porcelain cannot be bleached. Veneers are colour-matched at the time of fitting. If you want whiter teeth, complete any whitening treatment before your veneers are made so the shade can be matched to your brighter smile.

Night Guards and Grinding (Bruxism)

Teeth grinding — or bruxism — is one of the most common causes of veneer damage. If you grind or clench your teeth, especially during sleep, a custom night guard is strongly recommended.

• Your dentist can fabricate a thin, comfortable guard that fits over your veneers without affecting aesthetics or comfort.
• Over-the-counter guards are not recommended as they may not fit properly and can put uneven pressure on the porcelain.
• Signs of grinding include jaw pain on waking, flat or worn tooth surfaces, and headaches.

Check-Ups and Professional Cleaning

Regular dental visits are essential to maintaining your veneers long-term:

• Every 6–12 months — your dentist will check the integrity of the bonding, the health of the underlying tooth, and the condition of your gums.
• Professional cleaning (hygienist visits) removes calculus and staining from areas you cannot reach at home, particularly around veneer margins.
• Early detection of any issue — a small chip, gum recession, or cement degradation — means simpler and less costly repairs.

When to Contact Your Dentist

Get in touch with your dentist promptly if you notice:

• A veneer feels loose or has come off entirely
• A chip or crack in the porcelain
• Persistent sensitivity beyond the first week
• Your bite feels uneven or uncomfortable
• Swelling, redness, or bleeding around the veneer margins

Acting quickly usually means the issue can be resolved simply. Delaying can lead to further damage. See our guide on what to do if a veneer breaks for step-by-step emergency advice.

What Does Veneers Aftercare Involve?

Veneers aftercare involves gentle care in the first 48 hours, avoiding hard or sticky foods for the first week, then maintaining excellent oral hygiene with twice-daily brushing, daily flossing, and regular dental check-ups every 6–12 months.

What Should I Do in the First 48 Hours After Getting Veneers?

Eat soft foods, avoid very hot or cold drinks, do not bite directly into hard foods with your front teeth, and brush gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Some sensitivity is normal and should settle within a few days.

What Should I Expect in the First Week After Veneers?

During the first week, mild sensitivity is common, your bite may feel slightly different as you adjust, and the gums around your veneers may be tender. Stick to softer foods, avoid staining drinks where possible, and continue gentle brushing and flossing.

How Do I Clean Veneers Properly?

Clean veneers the same way you would natural teeth — brush twice daily with a non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush. Floss daily using regular floss or interdental brushes. Avoid abrasive whitening toothpastes that can dull the surface over time.

Can Veneers Stain?

High-quality porcelain veneers are highly stain-resistant. However, the bonding cement at the edges can pick up discolouration over time, especially with heavy coffee, tea, red wine, or tobacco use. Good oral hygiene and regular professional cleaning help prevent this.

Can You Whiten Veneers?

No — porcelain veneers cannot be whitened with bleaching products. They are colour-matched at the time of fitting. If you want to whiten your natural teeth, do so before getting veneers so the shade can be matched to your brighter smile.

Can I Use an Electric Toothbrush with Veneers?

Yes, electric toothbrushes are safe and often recommended. Use a soft or sensitive brush head and avoid pressing too hard. Sonic-style brushes are particularly effective at cleaning around the gum line without being abrasive.

How Do I Floss with Veneers?

Floss normally by sliding the floss gently between each tooth and curving it around the base. Avoid snapping the floss upward aggressively as this can stress the bonding. Interdental brushes or water flossers are good alternatives if traditional flossing feels awkward.

Do I Need a Night Guard with Veneers If I Grind My Teeth?

If you grind or clench your teeth (bruxism), a custom night guard is strongly recommended to protect your veneers from fracture. Your dentist can make one that fits over your veneers without affecting their appearance or comfort.

What Should I Avoid After Getting Veneers?

Avoid biting directly into very hard foods (ice, boiled sweets, bones), using your teeth as tools (opening packages), and habits like nail biting or pen chewing. In the first week, also limit staining foods and drinks and avoid alcohol-based mouthwashes that can weaken bonding cement.