COLUMN · Aftercare

How to Take Care of Veneers
and Ceramic Crowns So They Last Longer

Medically reviewed by Dr. Sunmin Kim, Board-certified Orthodontist · Last updated 2026-10-22

How long veneers and ceramic crowns last depends a great deal on how you look after them. Here is how to take care of veneers and crowns: the first few days, daily cleaning, habits to avoid, and what to do if something goes wrong after you return home.

The first few days after treatment

For the first few days your teeth may feel sensitive, especially to cold. This usually settles, but tell us if it continues. If you had local anaesthetic, wait until the numbness wears off before eating so you do not bite your lip or cheek.

Daily care: brushing, flossing and the edges

Brushing

Brush gently with a soft brush, paying attention to the line where the veneer or crown meets the gum. That edge is where plaque, stains and decay tend to start.

Flossing and cleaning between teeth

Use floss or an interdental brush every day. The veneer itself does not decay, but the natural tooth around it can.

Habits that can chip or crack veneers

• Biting ice, nut shells, bottle caps or your fingernails with your front teeth
• Tearing tape or packaging with your teeth
• Grinding or clenching at night

If you grind your teeth, we recommend a night guard, because grinding raises the risk of fracture.

Regular check-ups and cleaning

We check the gums, bite and edges about two weeks after veneers are bonded. After that, regular check-ups and professional cleaning help catch small problems early, such as staining at the edge or a change in the gum line. If you live abroad, your local dentist can do routine cleaning; tell them you have ceramic restorations.

If a veneer comes off or chips after you go home

Keep the veneer, do not throw it away, and contact us with photos on WhatsApp or LINE. We will look at the photos and advise whether it can be re-bonded or needs to be remade. Re-bonding or remaking requires a visit to the clinic.

Lifestyle habits that help

• Rinse with water after coffee, tea or red wine
• Avoid smoking, which stains the edges and affects the gums
• Wear a mouthguard for contact sports

How long veneers and crowns last varies widely with care and biting habits. They can break, come off or discolor and may need to be remade.

Frequently asked questions

This article is for general information and does not promise any particular result or cost. Suitability, treatment plan, results and how long restorations last differ from person to person. Please have a consultation and examination with a dentist before treatment. Prices are standard list prices as of 2026-10-22 and may change.