Dental veneers can be used to help various aesthetic problems, but how long do they last? Here, our Prince Albert dentists explain the purpose of this dental restoration and the factors that contribute to their longevity.
Dental Veneers
Dental veneers are thin, custom-made slivers of tooth-coloured porcelain that your dentist bonds to the front of your teeth. They are bonded to your teeth with composite resin cement, creating a surface that looks and feels much like natural teeth do.
Veneers can help to change the perceived position, shape, or colour of your teeth, leaving you with a more aesthetically pleasing smile.
How Long Porcelain Dental Veneers Last
There is a good chance your porcelain veneers will have to be replaced at some point, so they aren't considered a permanent procedure. But, if porcelain veneers are taken care of properly they can last a fairly long time – generally an average of 15 years. Based on some critical factors, they could last even longer (20 or more years).
Once your veneers have been placed, it will be more essential than ever to keep an excellent oral hygiene routine, since the longevity of your veneers relies on how well you take care of them. Patients that maintain good oral hygiene (flossing and brushing every day) at home and attend regular dental exams and cleanings have a higher chance of having their veneers last longer.
Longevity will also be impacted by whether any oral health problems are corrected. Bite problems, biting hard objects, grinding, and clenching can put excessive pressure on your teeth, and therefore your veneers.
Why Porcelain Veneers Have to be Replaced
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 could make your veneers no longer fit.
Taking Care of Your Dental Veneers
There are several steps you can take to help your veneers last as long as possible. As stated above, keeping up an excellent oral health care routine is the best way to help keep your veneers in optimal condition. This could consist of:
Wearing a mouthguard when participating in contact sports
Trauma to the mouth (such as a run-in with another person or object), can fracture your dental 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.
Staying away from hard and sticky foods, and not using your teeth as tools
While dental veneers are able to withstand the task of daily chewing, you should not make a habit out of chewing ice or using your teeth to open packages, because this puts you at a higher risk of loosening, chipping, or breaking your veneers.
Visiting 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.
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 an Option 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.