How to Maintain Veneers & Crowns: Climate Tips from Your Dentist in Orangeville, Ontario

Smiling girl wearing a black hat

If you’ve invested in veneers or dental crowns in Orangeville, you already know how much they can restore your smile. But like any investment, they need regular care – and Ontario’s climate can throw a few curveballs. Between icy winters, humid summers, and fluctuating temperatures in between, our teeth and dental restorations go through more than we realize.

Here’s how you can keep your veneers and crowns looking and feeling beautiful, year-round.

What are Veneers and Dental Crowns?

Think of veneers as a form of cosmetic dentistry in Orangeville that’s a jacket for your tooth’s front surface. They’re thin shells, often made of porcelain or composite resin, that bond to the front of teeth and are designed to enhance their shape, colour, and alignment. Crowns, on the other hand, act more like a helmet. They cover the entire tooth and are created to protect or restore function after damage or decay.

Why Climate Matters

Living in Orangeville means dealing with big temperature swings – and that can affect your smile. Your teeth expand and contract with heat and cold. While veneers and crowns are developed to last, repeated thermal changes can stress the bonding material, especially if restorations were placed years ago.

Winter winds can also dry out your mouth. Less saliva means less protection from bacteria and acid, which can affect the tooth underneath your crown or veneer. On the flip side, summer’s humidity may increase plaque build-up if you’re not cleaning thoroughly.

Tips to Keep Your Veneers & Crowns in Top Shape

1. Avoid Extreme Temperatures in Food & Drink
Drinking hot coffee followed by ice water? Not ideal. Sudden temperature changes cause tooth materials to expand and contract – even porcelain. Over time, this could loosen your veneer or crown.

3. Use a Soft-Bristled Brush & Non-Abrasive Toothpaste
Gritty pastes or hard bristles can scratch porcelain or wear down the composite. Choose gentle products designed for dental restorations.

4. Don’t Skip Regular Cleanings
It’s easy to assume crowns or veneers don’t need dental care – but the tooth underneath still can develop cavities or gum disease. Seeing our dentist in Orangeville, Ontario, twice a year is key to prevention.

5. Watch for Changes
Sensitivity to temperature, slight looseness, or discolouration around the edges can be early warning signs. The sooner you address an issue, the easier the fix may be.

Comparison Table: Veneers vs. Crowns

FeatureVeneersCrowns
CoverageFront of toothFull tooth
Material OptionsPorcelain or compositePorcelain, ceramic, metal, or combo
Typical LifespanDesigned to last 10–15 years (porcelain)Created to last 10 years or longer with good care
Common UsesCosmetic correctionDamage and decay repair, root canals

About O’Ville Dental: Our friendly team offers personalized general dentistry with a focus on prevention and patient well-being. Learn more here.

What Orangeville patients are saying

“Very professional, clean, organized! Keri is just a sweetheart, also the hygienist, and the assistant, and the doctor. They are so kind, understanding, and friendly. In my opinion, this is one of the best dentists we have here in Orangeville! It’s a must!” – Catia A.

Need support?

If you’re due for a checkup or have questions about maintaining your restorations, we’re here to help. Call our team at (226) 916-1785!

FAQs: Veneers & Crowns in Orangeville

How long do veneers last?

Dental veneers are designed to serve you well for many years when you maintain oral hygiene and in-office care. Longevity depends heavily on your habits, such as avoiding teeth grinding or nail-biting, and your diet. Many patients enjoy long-term results, but skipping routine visits or grinding your teeth may necessitate earlier maintenance. Have care questions? Reach out at (226) 916-1785!

How long do crowns last?

With consistent home care and regular checkups, dental crowns in Orangeville are designed to last for 10 years or longer. Remember that crowns may not be as strong as your natural teeth, so avoid biting down on hard objects or using your teeth to open or cut things. Head over to our Crowns & Bridges page for more details!

Can veneers fix missing teeth or crooked smiles?

Veneers cannot replace missing teeth because they require an existing tooth for structural support. For a missing space, ask about our customized bridges or implants. For alignment, veneers are created to be effective at refining small gaps or minor rotations. Our dentist will help determine if cosmetic reshaping is right for you. Book a consultation at (226) 916-1785!

How do costs compare between veneers and crowns?

Costs vary widely based on the materials, customization, the number of teeth involved, and your unique clinical needs. Factors like laboratory craftsmanship, the complexity of your bite, and any necessary foundational care can also affect the total fees. After an exam, our dentist can outline your options and discuss costs. Schedule a visit through our Contact page today!

Are there different types of dental crowns?

Yes, there are several common types: Metal (gold) crowns are designed to be the most durable, but they are not tooth-coloured. Composite crowns are created to look natural and resist chipping, but tend to wear down faster. Porcelain crowns are crafted to offer the most seamless appearance. For more crown-related details, connect with us at (226) 916-1785!