Dental veneers can be a fantastic way to reshape smiles for patients with damaged, stained, or misshapen teeth. You’ve probably seen people wearing them many times without even realizing it. Veneers are the open secret behind the flawless smiles of many Hollywood stars and television personalities. While veneers can last for a few decades with proper care, they will eventually need to be replaced. Here are a few ways to tell that your veneers might need replacement soon and how to keep them lasting for the long run.
How Can I Tell If My Veneers Need Replacement Soon?
On average, dental veneers last for about ten years, but they can last for more than twenty with proper care and maintenance. In any case, if they begin to exhibit any of the following signs, it might be an excellent idea to contact your dentist about having them taken care of:
- Your veneers are showing cracks or chips or appear worn down. While veneers are made of porcelain, which is a durable material, they can accumulate damage over time. Contact your dentist if you find any visible damage.
- The tooth supporting a veneer is showing decay. While dental veneers are immune to tooth decay, the teeth supporting them are still vulnerable to it. If the tooth wearing a veneer is showing signs of decay, your veneer may detach from the tooth. Contact your dentist right away for treatment.
- Your veneers are the wrong size or improperly applied. You may experience pain or discomfort if the dentist who initially placed your veneers didn’t measure your mouth properly. If your veneers are not adequately cemented into place, they may unexpectedly fall off. In either case, call your dentist’s office about getting repairs.
How Can I Make My Veneers Last Their Longest?
Even if you have the best cosmetic dentist in the world, your veneers will wear out sooner if you don’t take proper care of your teeth. Here are a few tips to help your veneers last for as long as possible:
- Only use your teeth for smiling and chewing. Don’t use them for opening bottles or packages, as doing so can break your veneers and injure your teeth.
- Abstain from tobacco. Smoking or chewing tobacco can cause stains and discoloration in your veneers and natural teeth alike. It can also lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
- Go easy on the foods and drinks that can discolor your teeth. A few examples include berries, colored candies, sodas, sports drinks, wine, coffee, and tea.
- Practice excellent oral hygiene every day. This includes brushing, flossing, and rinsing with antibacterial mouthwash.
- See your dentist for regular appointments. This way, your teeth and veneers will receive professional attention so that problems can be caught and corrected before they become difficult to deal with.
Dental veneers should be a long-term investment that can significantly improve your quality of life. By knowing how to take proper care of them and how to tell if they need replacement, you can keep your transformed smile looking great for the long haul.
About the Author
Dr. Marc Thomas earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of the Pacific in 1993 before serving in the US Army Dental Corps. He is now a proud member of the American Dental Association, the Northern Nevada Dental Society, the Seattle Study Club, and the Academy of General Dentistry. His office in Sparks, NV offers general, restorative, emergency, and cosmetic dentistry. For more information on caring for your veneers, contact his office online or dial (775) 626-3535.