Discover the truth about dental veneers! Can they solve your dental problems forever? Our team of dentists at Sydney Mines will explain the benefits of these restorations and factors that impact their durability.
What are dental veneers?
Dental veneers are custom-made, thin pieces of porcelain that your dentist attaches to the front of your teeth. They use a special cement to bond the veneers to your teeth, resulting in a natural-looking and comfortable surface. Veneers are great for improving the appearance of your teeth by altering their position, shape, or color, giving you a beautiful smile.
How long do porcelain dental veneers last?
Porcelain veneers are not a permanent solution as they may need replacement in the future. However, with proper care, they can last a significant amount of time, typically around 15 years on average. In some cases, they can even last longer, extending to 20 years or more. Once you have veneers, it becomes crucial to maintain an excellent oral hygiene routine to ensure their longevity.
How well you care for your veneers greatly affects how long they will last. Patients who practice good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing and flossing daily, and regularly visit the dentist for professional exams and cleanings, have a higher chance of extending the lifespan of their veneers.
The longevity of your veneers can also be influenced by addressing any oral health issues. Problems like bite irregularities, chewing on hard objects, and teeth grinding or clenching can exert excessive pressure on your teeth and, consequently, on your veneers.
Why do porcelain veneers need to be replaced?
While porcelain is known for its durability, porcelain veneers can still chip, fracture, decay, or come loose over time. If you encounter gum recession, it may be necessary to replace the veneers as they may no longer fit properly.
Caring for dental veneers
To ensure your veneers last as long as possible, follow these simple steps for maintaining excellent oral health:
Wearing a mouthguard while playing contact sports
Mouth trauma, like a collision with someone or something, can result in dental veneers breaking or coming off. That's why it's crucial to wear a mouthguard while participating in contact sports to safeguard your dental restorations.
Avoiding sticky, hard foods or using your teeth as tools
Although dental veneers are designed to withstand regular chewing, it's important to avoid chewing ice or using them to tear open packages. Doing so can increase the chances of chipping, loosening, or breaking the veneers.
Attending your regular dental appointments
By attending your regular dental exams, you give your dentist the chance to thoroughly clean your teeth and also inspect your veneers, addressing any issues early on to prevent them from worsening.
Practicing excellent oral hygiene
Maintain good oral hygiene by following these simple steps: brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time and remember to floss at least once a day. Neglecting oral care can lead to tooth decay, a frequent reason dental veneers fail.
Are porcelain veneers right for me?
Dental veneers can improve the appearance of your teeth, but they may not be suitable for everyone or every dental problem. Sometimes, other treatments like dental crowns, dental bonding, teeth whitening, or orthodontics might be better options for addressing specific issues.