If you’ve recently gotten porcelain veneers—or you’re thinking about it—you may be wondering: Can I still floss between veneers? The short answer is yes, and you should.
In fact, flossing is essential to protect your oral health and ensure the long-lasting success of your veneers. In this guide, we’ll break down why flossing is important, how to do it correctly with veneers, and what tools work best.
Why Flossing With Veneers Matters
Porcelain veneers are bonded to the front surface of your natural teeth. While they are durable and stain-resistant, your gum health and the tooth structure underneath still need proper care.
Neglecting to floss can lead to:
- Gum disease
- Plaque buildup between veneers
- Tooth decay near the edges of veneers
- Gum inflammation or recession, which can affect veneer appearance and fit
Flossing daily keeps the gum line healthy and helps maintain the look and longevity of your veneers.
Can You Floss Normally With Veneers?
Yes—you can (and should) floss just like you would with natural teeth, as long as your veneers are properly placed and fully healed.
Modern bonding techniques ensure that porcelain veneers are tightly adhered to your teeth, so flossing won’t loosen or damage them when done properly.
That said, the technique and tools you use do matter to prevent irritation or accidental damage.
How to Floss With Porcelain Veneers: Step-by-Step
To floss safely and effectively around veneers:
- Use a soft, waxed floss
Waxed floss slides smoothly and is less likely to catch on the edges of the veneer.
- Gently insert the floss
Slide the floss between your teeth using a gentle back-and-forth motion. Avoid snapping it down, which could irritate your gums or harm the margin of the veneer.
- Hug the tooth in a C-shape
Curve the floss around each side of the tooth and gently move it up and down to remove plaque.
- Repeat for every tooth
Don’t skip teeth with veneers—flossing between each one helps prevent gum disease and decay near the veneer margins.
Bonus Tip: If traditional floss is difficult, try floss picks, soft interdental brushes, or a water flosser for extra convenience.
Best Tools for Flossing With Veneers
Here are some dentist-approved options for keeping your smile veneer-safe and squeaky clean:
| Tool | Why It Works Well |
| Waxed dental floss | Gentle on veneers and gums |
| Water flosser | Reaches between tight spaces and under the gumline |
| Floss picks | Convenient for hard-to-reach areas |
| Interdental brushes | Ideal for wider gaps or sensitive gums |
Avoid unwaxed or thick floss, as it may shred or catch.
How Often Should You Floss With Veneers?
You should floss at least once a day to maintain healthy gums and prevent plaque buildup. Ideally, floss before brushing at night when plaque has accumulated throughout the day.
Pair flossing with:
- Brushing twice daily with a non-abrasive toothpaste
- Using an alcohol-free mouthwash
- Visiting your dentist every 6 months for a professional cleaning
Final Thoughts: Flossing Is Essential for Veneer Success
So, can you floss between porcelain veneers? Absolutely—and it’s one of the best things you can do to protect your investment.
With the right floss and a gentle technique, you’ll maintain healthy gums, protect your natural teeth, and preserve that stunning smile for years to come.
Your veneers may enhance your smile—but your daily flossing habits will help keep it flawless.
FAQs
Can flossing loosen my veneers?
No. Proper flossing will not loosen veneers if they were correctly bonded. If a veneer feels loose, contact your dentist—it’s likely due to bonding failure, not flossing.
Should I avoid flossing during veneer healing?
For the first few days after getting veneers, you may experience mild sensitivity. Your dentist may advise gentle flossing or using a water flosser until the area is fully healed.
Can plaque build up between veneers?
Yes. Even though veneers are stain-resistant, the natural tooth underneath can still decay if plaque is not removed regularly.