facebook
New Patients: (512) 861-6045
Current Patients: (512) 888-9453
9521 US Hwy 290 W, Suite 103
Austin, TX 78737

Caring for Your New Veneers: Austin Dentist’s Guide

added on: July 9, 2025
Portrait of beautiful middle aged woman touching her face and laughing.

Dental veneers are a long-term investment in your smile, and proper care makes all the difference. At Broberg Family Dental here in Austin, we help patients protect their veneers with clear, practical care routines. If you’ve recently received veneers or are considering them, knowing how to maintain dental veneers is essential for maximizing their longevity and appearance.

Veneers don’t require a completely different oral care routine, but there are important habits and precautions that will preserve their beauty and prevent premature damage. In this guide, we’ll walk you through daily maintenance, dietary tips, long-term upkeep, and signs of wear. You’ll also find answers to common questions about insurance, costs, and durability.

Daily Care Routine for Veneers in Austin

How do you clean veneers daily?

You should clean veneers just like natural teeth, twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Gentle brushing removes plaque and prevents staining at the margins where veneers meet your natural teeth.

What toothpaste should I use with veneers?

Choose a non-abrasive, fluoride-based toothpaste. Avoid whitening or charcoal pastes, which can scratch veneer surfaces. We often recommend specific brands at our Austin office that are safe for cosmetic restorations.

Can you floss with dental veneers?

Yes, flossing is essential. Veneers don’t protect against gum disease or decay in areas not covered. Use unwaxed or PTFE-coated floss to slide between teeth without damaging veneer edges.

Do veneers require special brushing techniques?

Brush in gentle, circular motions using a soft brush. Electric toothbrushes are safe if used correctly. Don’t scrub aggressively, this can irritate your gums and shorten the veneer’s lifespan.

Daily care tips recap:

  • Brush twice daily with non-abrasive toothpaste
  • Floss at least once a day
  • Use a soft or electric toothbrush
  • Avoid whitening agents or gritty formulas
  • Rinse with alcohol-free mouthwash

Caring for your veneers each day builds a foundation for long-term results. If you’re ever unsure about your products or technique, ask us during your regular Austin general dentistry checkup at Broberg Family Dental.

Foods to Avoid with Veneers

What foods stain veneers?

Porcelain veneers resist stains better than natural enamel, but the surrounding areas and composite materials can still discolor. Common culprits include:

  • Coffee and black tea
  • Red wine
  • Tomato sauces
  • Curry and soy sauce
  • Dark berries

Can I eat hard foods with veneers?

Hard foods can chip or crack veneers, especially near the edges. While veneers are durable, we recommend avoiding:

  • Ice
  • Hard candies
  • Nuts
  • Corn on the cob
  • Bone-in meats

Are coffee and wine safe for veneers in Austin?

While porcelain itself is stain-resistant, regular consumption of coffee and wine can dull their brightness over time. If you drink these beverages often, rinse with water afterward and maintain routine cosmetic dentistry cleanings in Austin to help your veneers stay bright.

Food and drink tips:

  • Limit dark liquids and acidic foods
  • Rinse after eating stain-prone meals
  • Avoid biting hard items with front teeth
  • Chew crunchy foods with molars

Choosing the right diet supports both veneer longevity and natural tooth health. At Broberg Family Dental, we review your eating habits during follow-ups to ensure your restorations stay strong and beautiful.

Habits That Damage Veneers

What not to do with dental veneers?

To protect dental veneers, avoid activities that apply stress to them. Veneers aren’t meant to endure forces like grinding or tearing. Habits to stop include:

  • Using your teeth to open packaging
  • Chewing on pens or fingernails
  • Clenching or grinding your teeth (bruxism)
  • Skipping your nightguard if recommended

Can you bite nails or open packages with veneers?

No, using your teeth as tools risks loosening or chipping the veneer edge. These bad habits often start unconsciously, so being aware is key. If you struggle to stop, we can suggest behavioral or dental solutions.

Is smoking bad for veneers?

Yes. Smoking doesn’t stain porcelain as quickly as natural enamel, but it affects surrounding gums and bonding materials. This can lead to discoloration at the veneer margins and increase your risk of oral disease.

Break these veneer-damaging habits to avoid:

  • Premature veneer replacement
  • Marginal staining or gum recession
  • Cracks or chips from hard pressure
  • Costly restorative procedures like crowns or bonding

We help patients quit these behaviors and monitor veneer health during every visit. Veneers are strong, but they’re not invincible.

Long-Term Maintenance for Veneers 

How often should I see a dentist for veneer checkups in Austin?

Visit your dentist every 6 months for exams and cleanings. This allows us to check for wear, bonding issues, or gum changes. Early detection helps prevent damage that could require dental crown restoration later.

Do veneers need polishing or professional cleaning?

Yes. While veneers don’t get cavities, plaque still builds up around them. Our hygienists use non-abrasive polish and scaling tools to clean without scratching the veneer surface. These visits also include fluoride treatments if needed.

Do veneers ever need replacing?

Over time, veneers may lose their bond or show signs of wear. Porcelain veneers typically last 10–15 years. When replacement is needed, we’ll ensure your next set matches your smile goals with a smile makeover consultation in Austin.

Routine veneer maintenance includes:

  • Semi-annual professional cleanings
  • Bond and gumline inspections
  • Monitoring for bite pressure damage
  • Recommending new veneers when needed

Think of regular visits as insurance for your smile. We want your veneers to last, and that means staying ahead of problems before they grow.

Signs Your Veneers May Be Wearing Down

How can you tell if veneers are failing?

Watch for signs like increased sensitivity, dark margins, or veneers feeling loose. If your bite changes or you notice discomfort when chewing, let us know right away.

Do veneers ever loosen or fall off?

Yes, but it’s rare. Loosening can occur if the bonding weakens due to force or time. If this happens, save the veneer if possible and call our Austin office for a repair or replacement.

What are the signs of veneer damage?

Common signs include:

  • Small cracks or chips
  • Rough edges
  • Changes in appearance or feel
  • Uneven coloration or shine

Noticing damage early allows us to provide cost-effective cosmetic touch-ups or replacements before major issues occur.

Common Questions About Dental Veneers in Austin, TX

Does dental insurance cover veneers?

Most insurance plans consider veneers cosmetic and do not cover them. Some exceptions exist if veneers are used to restore function or structure due to injury or wear.

How much do dental veneers cost?

In Austin, dental veneers usually cost between $900 and $2,500 per tooth. Pricing depends on the material (porcelain or composite), the number of veneers, and the experience of the provider.

Does Delta Dental cover veneers?

Coverage varies by plan, but most Delta Dental plans exclude cosmetic veneers. Always check with your specific policy to see what’s included.

Do dental veneers stain?

Porcelain veneers resist stains better than natural teeth. Composite veneers are more porous and can discolor over time. Avoid dark liquids and smoking to keep them looking fresh.

How long do dental veneers last?

Porcelain veneers typically last 10 to 15 years with proper care. Composite options may last 5 to 7 years. Regular checkups and great home care extend their lifespan.

Protect Your Veneers with the Right Care in Austin 

Taking the time to care for your veneers daily, and visiting us for ongoing support, can dramatically extend their lifespan. We’ve covered how to maintain dental veneers through brushing, flossing, food choices, long-term dental care, and habit changes. Veneers are an investment, and with the right care, they’ll keep your smile looking bright for years.

Contact us and schedule a veneer care checkup at our Austin dental office to keep your smile healthy, bright, and long-lasting.

About The Author
Dr. Eric S. Broberg

Dr. Eric S. Broberg loves making people smile, which inspired him to pursue dentistry. He is certified in the safe administration of laser dentistry, oral sedation, and nitrous oxide. He is also an expert in Invisalign and ClearCorrect clear aligner therapies. He has been recognized as a Nextdoor Neighborhood Favorite for four consecutive years. Dr. Broberg is a member of the Texas Dental Association, American Dental Association, Capital Area Dental Society, and the Psi Omega Dental Fraternity.