We can address many aesthetic issues with dental veneers. But, you may be wondering if they are a permanent solution. Our dentists in Winnipeg review the purpose of these restorations, along with factors that can impact longevity.
What are dental veneers?
Your dentist can bond dental veneers to your teeth. These thin, custom-made slivers of tooth-coloured porcelain are bonded to your teeth with composite resin cement to create a surface that looks and feels much like natural teeth.
Veneers can help change the perceived colour, shape or position of your teeth, leaving you with a more aesthetically pleasing smile.
How long do porcelain dental veneers last?
Porcelain veneers are not considered a permanent procedure as they'll likely need to be replaced at some point. However, if they are properly cared for, porcelain veneers can last significantly long - about 15 years on average. Depending on some critical factors, they can last as long as 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 depends on how well you care for them. If you maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing daily at home and visiting the dentist regularly for professional dental exams and cleanings, your veneers are more likely to last longer.
Other oral health issues and habits such as bite problems, grinding and clenching, and biting hard objects can put excessive pressure on your teeth and veneers, which can also impact their longevity.
Why do porcelain veneers need 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 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.