When it comes to maintaining good oral hygiene, flossing is a non-negotiable step. But if you have dental veneers, you might wonder how this key piece of oral care fits in with your new smile. If you don’t already know, veneers are made from thin shells of porcelain or composite resin, and while they are generally durable and long-lasting, it’s essential to take extra care in maintaining them. After all, since veneers are often sought after in an attempt to improve the look of your teeth, the last thing you want is to damage their appearance with inadequate care. That’s why in this blog we’ll guide you through the best practices for flossing with veneers so you can be sure they continue to look great and function properly.
Why Flossing is Important with Veneers
Flossing is important for everyone, but especially for those with veneers. Even though veneers are stain-resistant and provide an attractive, smooth surface, they don’t make you immune to common dental issues like plaque buildup, gum disease, or tooth decay. Flossing removes the food particles and plaque that brushing alone may miss, especially in between your teeth and along the gumline. Without consistent flossing, plaque can accumulate, leading to tartar and the potential weakening of your veneers or irritation of your gums.
Flossing also helps maintain healthy gums, which is crucial for keeping your veneers intact. If the gums around your veneers become inflamed or infected, the veneer bond could weaken, causing them to shift or even fall off! Having healthy gums is also important if you’re preparing to get veneers since inflamed gums can make it more difficult to get a tight seal while placing them. Flossing regularly in preparation for veneers will better your chances of achieving the best fit between your tooth and the veneer.
The Best Way to Floss with Veneers
Flossing with veneers requires a little more care than flossing natural teeth. Here’s how you can do it safely:
1. Use a High-Quality Floss
Not all string flosses are created equal. If you already have veneers, it’s better to choose a waxed dental floss. Unwaxed floss can shred or get caught in the spaces around your veneers, which can damage both the veneers and your gums. However, many kinds of string floss, like tape floss, contain forever chemicals. If you’re still using string floss, try a new brand like Cocofloss. Their floss is completely free of PFAS, PTFE, and is infused with soothing, natural coconut oil, plus microcrystalline wax for slip. Otherwise, skip to #6 for our favorite suggestion.
2. Be Gentle
When flossing around your veneers, always use a gentle back-and-forth motion. If you’re using a Slate Flosser, be sure to practice the “roll and sweep” method. Click here for a helpful video. Don't force the floss between your teeth. We generally refer to this as snapping the floss in or jerking the floss out. Doing so can damage both the veneers and your gums, especially if you haven't flossed in a while and your gums are inflamed. Any excessive force can pull at the edges of the veneers and potentially dislodge them. Instead, gently curve the string floss around each tooth in a “C-type” motion and move it up and down the side of the tooth to remove biofilm and plaque.
3. Floss at the Right Time
If you have veneers, flossing AFTER brushing your teeth is particularly important. When you brush your teeth, you disrupt some of the plaque and bacteria from the surface, making it easier to remove any remaining particles when you floss. Brushing first means you're less likely to have large debris stuck in your teeth that could pose a threat while flossing.
4. Floss Regularly
Daily flossing is a must for everyone, especially those with veneers. We always recommend flossing twice a day, but we understand that’s a difficult habit to build. So, we’ll settle for flossing before bedtime. If you skip flossing, plaque and bacteria build up between your teeth quickly. If plaque isn’t removed within 48 hours it turns into tartar and once it’s tartar it has to be removed by a dental professional. Yup, it happens that fast! The last thing you want on your pretty white veneers is ugly yellow tartar buildup between them. So, find a way to make flossing a nonnegotiable in your nighttime routine. (Check out #6 for our top recommendation!)
5. Use Interdental Brushes or Soft Picks
Sometimes using interdental brushes or soft dental picks can also be an effective way to clean between veneers. These tools are gentle yet effective at removing debris without damaging the veneers. They can be especially helpful in areas where flossing might be difficult or uncomfortable, such as between tightly spaced teeth.
6. Consider the Slate Flosser
Additional Tips for Maintaining Veneers
While flossing is vital for keeping your veneers in top shape, here are a few other tips to help you maintain them for the long term:
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Brush Twice a Day: Make sure you brush your veneers with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride (or nanohydroxyapatite) toothpaste to avoid damaging their surface.
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Avoid Hard Foods: Even though veneers are durable, they can chip or crack if exposed to excessive force. Avoid chewing on hard foods like ice, nuts, or hard candies.
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Visit Your Dentist Regularly: Schedule regular check-ups with your dentist to make sure your veneers are in good condition. It’s always best to give your dentist the opportunity to address any concerns early on.
Maintaining your smile with veneers isn’t all that different from caring for your natural teeth. Both will cost a pretty penny to fix if you neglect them. So, choose the right floss, be gentle, and build that flossing habit! We want you to feel confident that your gums will stay healthy and your veneers will stay just as beautiful as the day you got them.