How long do dental veneers last?
Straight, white teeth are one of the best ways for you to improve your smile. Fortunately, you have a wide range of options for getting your teeth fixed.
One of the best options available to you is dental veneers. This is one of the best ways to fix chipped, stained, and cracked teeth. There is plenty to learn about dental veneers, and if you’re planning on getting them, it’s best to do as much research as possible. But how long will this investment in your smile last?
Before discussing how long they last, it’s good to know what they are.
What are dental veneers?
Dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells made of tooth-colored materials designed to cover the front of your teeth. These can dramatically improve the appearance of your teeth. This is accomplished by bonding to the front of your teeth and changing their overall color, size, and shape.
The process is very popular, but you should talk to your dentist and see if the veneers are the best solution for your particular issue. After the consultation, you will then have an impression made of your teeth that helps build your veneers. Finally, the finished veneers will be cemented into place.
There are two primary varieties of dental veneers. The first type is porcelain, which combats stains well and has a natural appearance given the light reflection that emulates your real teeth. The second option is resin veneers that can be color-matched to your teeth and can also be applied in one visit.
Dental veneers are a perfect solution if you wish to change the color or shape of your teeth with more than just braces, but your dental issues aren’t such that you would need a crown. It is a quick, relatively painless, and convenient choice for a beautiful smile.
The Lifespan of Dental Veneers
So back to our original question: once I have my veneers, how long will they last? Current dental porcelain is typically as strong as normal enamel. This minimizes any worry about the veneers breaking from biting into hard food.
With that said, you still need to understand that most veneers won’t last forever. Specifically, the average lifespan of dental veneers is about ten years. However, if you take care of them, they can last up to 20 years.
Maintenance for veneers is easy as long as you take care of them properly after they’ve been placed. You’ll be surprised by how well they hold up with proper care! For one, you’ll have to practice excellent oral hygiene. Veneers can get stained, like natural teeth, so keep that in mind if you drink a large amount of coffee or tea.
Also, while veneers are made of extremely strong material, you’ll want to avoid chewing very hard foods. Of course, this is no different than your natural teeth: it’s always best to avoid anything that could cause any chipping.
Besides biting hard surfaces, there are other ways you can ensure that you get the most out of your new veneers. For one, you should avoid grinding by getting a bite guard. This will ensure you don’t damage your veneers.
Finally, as we mentioned previously, maintain proper oral hygiene. This includes brushing and flossing after every meal. Plus, if you play any sports, you will want to wear a mouthguard to
protect your veneers from any potential damage.
How do you know when veneers need to be replaced?
While all veneers will need to be replaced eventually, you should schedule a visit with your dentist if you notice any of the following issues with your dental veneers:
Visible decay on the natural tooth beneath the veneer
Any sign of cracked, chipped, or worn-down veneers
A visible separation between the veneer and the gums (usually due to gum disease)
Veneers might also need to be replaced if they become painful. This is typically a result of the wrong size being installed initially. However, this should not be a significant concern if you use a reputable dentist experienced with dental veneers.
If you have any concerns about your current veneers or wish to learn more about new dental veneers, please contact Saratoga Dentistry today to schedule your free consultation.
