Veneers are loved, even by celebrities, for their ability to dramatically change the appearance of your smile. Those seeking this cosmetic dental treatment often consider the pros and cons and how long they last. The treatment can last for about 10 years or more with diligent oral care and close attention to habits that can adversely affect the lifespan.
What are Veneers?
Dental veneers are thin, tooth-colored shells that are bonded to the front surface of your teeth by a cosmetic dentist or prosthodontist. They are typically used on front teeth to hide imperfections such as chips, discoloration, gaps, misalignment, or unevenness. The result is teeth that appear whiter, even, and damage-free.
Types of Veneers
Porcelain and composite resin are the materials most commonly used to make veneers. Porcelain veneers are usually custom-made in a lab from a thin, translucent material that gives your teeth a natural-looking appearance. Composite veneers are made from resin that is shaped and bonded to your teeth. However, porcelain is more resistant to stains and chips and tends to last 10-20 years, compared to composite veneers that usually last less than 10 years.
How to Make Your Veneers Last Long
While veneers are an excellent option for enhancing the appearance of your smile, their lifespan can be impacted by lifestyle habits. Here are some important tips for longer-lasting veneers:
- Practice good dental hygiene
- Avoid hard foods that can damage veneers
- Avoiding foods and drinks that increase the risk of stains
- Wear a mouthguard to protect the veneers from damage
Caring for Your Veneers
Although veneers are a popular smile restoration procedure, they aren't permanent and are still susceptible to decay. However, you can easily care for your porcelain or resin-composite veneers by brushing twice a day and flossing daily. Wearing a mouthguard or bite guard helps protect your treatment from damage caused by teeth grinding (bruxism). Avoiding habits such as nail-biting and pen-chewing also protect veneers from cracking. Add the regular 6-month dental cleanings to your oral care regimen to further prolong the life of your veneers.
Can Veneers Fall Off?
A strong and durable bonding material is used to keep veneers attached to your teeth, but it isn't foolproof. Veneers can slip off because of mouth trauma, tooth decay, receding gum, or the end of their lifespan. Resist the urge to superglue the detached veneer. Instead, carefully store it away and make an appointment with your cosmetic dentist. In cases like this, the solution can simply involve applying fresh bonding material and reattaching the veneer.
What Happens if Your Veneer Cracks?
Like your normal tooth enamel, veneers can break because of tooth trauma or lifestyle habits that put too much pressure on them. If you have porcelain veneers, your dentist can use dental contouring to smoothen out minor chips. Cracked or broken veneers will need to be replaced using the procedure initially used to custom-make them.
Contact Us to Begin Your Smile Makeover
With veneers, there's no more reason to hide your smile. You'll have a natural-looking option that easily fixes imperfections in just 1-3 visits, depending on your choice of veneers. Since it's not a one-size-fits-all, we will customize the treatment to match the shape and color of your teeth. We'll show you a digital smile preview so you'll get a feel of the final results. To learn more about veneers, contact our office today at 240-641-5828. Or, request an appointment online.