Numerous aesthetic issues can be addressed with dental veneers, but are these restorations a permanent solution? Our Pickering dentists discuss the purpose of veneers and factors that impact longevity.
What are dental veneers?
Your dentist can bond these thin, custom-made slivers of tooth-coloured porcelain to the front of your teeth. Dental veneers are bonded to your teeth using composite resin cement, which creates a surface that looks and feels much like natural teeth do.
Veneers can help to change the perceived position, colour or shape of your teeth, leaving you with a more aesthetically pleasing smile.
How long do porcelain dental veneers last?
Since porcelain veneers will likely need to be replaced at some point, they are not considered a permanent procedure. However, as long as they are properly cared for, porcelain veneers can last a significant length of time - typically for about 15 years on average. Depending on some key factors, they can last much longer (20 years or more).
After your veneers have been placed, maintaining an excellent oral hygiene routine will be more important than ever. This is because the longevity of your veneers will depend on how well you care for them. Patients who maintain good oral hygiene (daily brushing and flossing) at home and who see the dentist regularly for professional dental exams and cleanings are more likely to have their veneers last longer.
Whether any oral health problems are corrected will also impact longevity. Issues with bitting hard objects, grinding and clenching and bite problems can put excessive pressure on your teeth, and your veneers.
Why do porcelain veneers need to be replaced?
While porcelain is very durable, porcelain veneers can decay, debond, fracture or chip over time. Veneers may also need to be replaced if you experience gum recession, since this may cause the veneer to not fit correctly anymore.
Caring for dental veneers
There are a few things you can do to make your veneers last as long as possible. As mentioned, continuing an excellent oral health care practices is the best way to ensure your veneers stay in great condition. This can include:
Wearing a mouthguard while playing contact sports
Trauma to the mouth (such as a run-in with another person or object) and cause dental veneers to fracture or fall off. This is why it’s important to wear a mouthguard to protect your restorations if you play contact sports.
Avoiding sticky, hard foods or using your 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.
Attending your regular dental appointments
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.
Practicing excellent oral hygiene
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 failure of dental veneers.
Are porcelain veneers right for me?
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.