Dental veneers can be used to help treat a range of aesthetic issues, but they aren't permanent. Today, our Nanaimo dentists talk about the purpose of veneers and how you can help them last as long as possible.
What are Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers are thin, custom-made slivers of tooth-coloured porcelain that your dentist can bond to the fronts of your teeth with composite resin cement. Veneers can look and feel very similar to the surfaces of your natural teeth.
Veneers can help to change the perceived position, shape, or colour of your teeth, leaving you with a more aesthetically pleasing smile.
The Lifespan of Porcelain Dental Veneers
Your porcelain veneers will most likely have to be replaced eventually, so they aren't considered a permanent procedure. However, if properly cared for, porcelain veneers can last a significant length of time – usually an average of 15 years. Depending on some key factors, they can last much longer (20 years or more).
After you've had veneers placed, maintaining an excellent oral hygiene routine will be more important than ever. That's because the longevity of your veneers depends on how well you care for them. Patients who maintain good oral hygiene (brushing and flossing daily) at home and who visit the dentist regularly for professional dental exams and cleanings are more likely to see their veneers last longer.
You can also help extend the life of your veneers by having any arising dental conditions corrected as early as possible. Bite problems, biting hard objects, grinding, and clenching can put excessive pressure on your teeth, and therefore your veneers.
Why You Need To Replace Porcelain Veneers
Though porcelain is very durable, porcelain veneers can chip, fracture, decay, or debond over time. You may also need to replace them if you experience gum recession, as this may cause the veneer to not fit correctly anymore.
Taking Care of Your Dental Veneers
As mentioned, maintaining excellent oral health care habits is the best way to ensure your veneers stay in great condition. Here are a few things you can do to make your veneers last as long as possible:
Wear a Mouthguard When Playing Contact Sports
Trauma to the mouth (such as a run-in with another person or object) can fracture your veneers or make them fall off. This is why it’s important to wear a mouthguard to protect your restorations if you play contact sports.
Avoid Sticky, Hard Foods & Don't Use Teeth as Tools
While your dental veneers will stand up to everyday chewing, don’t get into the bait of chewing ice or using them to rip open packages, as this increases the risk of chipping, loosening, or breaking them.
See Your Dentist Regularly
When you attend your regular dental exams, you not only allow your dentist the opportunity to give your teeth an essential deep clean, but they will also take the time to check the condition of your veneers and treat any problems early before they have a chance to fully develop.
Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene Practices
You know the drill - brush twice a day for two minutes each time, and floss at least once per day. Tooth decay is a common cause of dental veneer failure.
Knowing If Veneers are Right For Your
Though dental veneers can be used to address several aesthetic concerns, they are not the right treatment for every dental health issue - or every person. In some cases, other restorations such as dental crowns, dental bonding, teeth whitening, or orthodontics may be more effective treatment options.