How Long Do Veneers Last?
If you’re considering sprucing up your smile with veneers, you’re likely wondering about improving your smile and the longevity of this cosmetic dentistry enhancement. While veneers can dramatically improve your smile’s appearance, they require some preventive care to ensure longevity.
With the proper care, porcelain veneers can last over 20 years.
What Are Veneers?
Veneers are thin, custom-made shells that cover the front surface of your teeth. They are often made from porcelain and are bonded to your natural teeth to correct cosmetic concerns like:
- Chipped or cracked teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Discolouration or stains
Porcelain veneers are also known for looking incredibly natural because they reflect light and mimic the slight translucency of natural tooth enamel.
Benefits of Porcelain Veneers
While porcelain veneers are a fantastic cosmetic option to enhance your smile’s appearance, they can also help improve your oral health:
- Enhanced speech: Veneers can improve speech clarity, especially if you have chipped or cracked teeth that affect your pronunciation. By restoring the proper tooth structure, veneers ensure smoother articulation.
- Increased bite strength: Veneers, particularly those that address worn-down teeth, can improve your bite strength, allowing you to chew more efficiently and comfortably.
- Protection for damaged teeth: Veneers act as a protective layer for teeth that are chipped, cracked, or weakened by decay, helping prevent further damage and potential tooth loss.
How Durable Are Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are known for their durability and strength. With proper care, they can last between 10 and 20 years.
What Can Damage Veneers?
While porcelain veneers are strong and durable, they are not indestructible. Some activities or habits that can damage your veneers include:
- Teeth grinding or clenching: These acts can put excessive pressure on the veneers, causing them to crack or break.
- Chewing on hard objects: Veneers are not meant to withstand the force of chewing on items such as pens, ice, or fingernails.
- Poor oral hygiene: Neglecting proper brushing and flossing can lead to plaque buildup around the edges of your veneers, causing them to become loose or fall off.
- Staining agents: While porcelain resists some staining, it’s not immune. Avoid consuming foods and drinks that can stain, such as coffee, tea, red wine, and dark-coloured berries.
How to Care for Your Veneers
Taking care of your veneers is essential to ensuring they last as long as possible. Here are some tips for maintaining the appearance and longevity of your veneers.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
It’s important to maintain good oral hygiene to help protect your veneers. This means brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing at least once a day. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste to avoid damaging the veneers.
Make Minor Lifestyle Adjustments
Be mindful of your habits to prevent damage to your veneers. Chewy or hard foods should be approached cautiously, and habits such as nail-biting or pen-chewing should be curbed.
Signs of Wear & Tear
Look for common signs on your veneers that can indicate wear and tear. This can include chips, cracks, or discolouration. If you notice any of these signs, make sure to schedule an appointment with your dentist for repairs.
Professional Care
Routine visits to the dentist are important for your natural teeth as well as your veneers. These check-ups help your dental team detect issues early on and prevent potential problems from worsening. Professional cleanings can also help keep your veneers in good condition.
When to Touch Up Your Veneers
Unlike fillings, porcelain veneers typically don’t require touch-ups. However, they can chip, discolour, or wear over time. If you notice roughness, chipping, staining, or gum recession around the veneer, it’s best to see your dentist. They can assess the damage and determine if a repair, replacement, or polishing is necessary to restore your smile’s aesthetics and function.
Final Words of Advice
Much like any significant investment, veneers require intentional care for long-term benefits. Take pride in your veneers, follow care instructions, and keep regular appointments with your dental team to protect your veneers and overall oral health.
Contact us at Dentistry on Danforth today to book a consultation and determine whether you are a good candidate for porcelain veneers.