If you’ve improved your smile with the help of beautiful, natural-looking veneers, you likely want your gorgeous new grin to last as long as possible. However, while this treatment can last for decades, it won’t last forever. Here’s a closer look at how you can tell when it’s time to replace your veneers so your smile will continue looking its best without missing a beat!
What Are Veneers?
Veneers are thin porcelain or composite resin shells that fit over your existing teeth to change their shape, size, spacing and even their color. Because they are made of a durable, stain-resistant material, they can quickly improve the appearance of your smile for decades. In fact, that’s why they’ve earned the nickname “instant orthodontics!”
Veneers typically last about 15 to 20 years with proper care and use. While you can still enjoy a full diet with these cosmetic enhancements, you’ll want to avoid crunching anything too hard with them, such as hard candies or ice cubes. Furthermore, you should always brush them with a non-abrasive toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush and floss them daily. Whitening strips and pastes won’t work on veneers, so if they ever become discolored, speak to your dentist about having them replaced or re-shaded.
Why Do I Need to Replace My Veneers?
Veneers can last for decades if you take excellent care of them, but unfortunately, they are not permanent. With time, they could fall off, become worn or chipped, and may even become discolored. Please be aware that to get them, your dentist will need to remove a small amount of enamel from each treated tooth, which is permanent, as enamel does not grow back. This means that moving forward, those teeth will always need to either have a crown or a veneer protecting them.
What Are Some Signs It’s Time to Replace My Veneers?
How long your veneers last depends on your individual smile. Sometimes, with excellent oral hygiene they may look and feel beautiful for over two decades, while other times they may begin showing signs of wear much sooner. Here are a few things to look out for that could indicate its time to replace them:
Receding Gums
Receding gums are the sign of periodontal problems and can often be caused by poor oral hygiene. This can make the veneer visible on the tooth but can also lead to bad breath and tooth loss if not treated promptly. Thus, be sure to seek help from your dentist if you notice this type of change, as you may need gum disease treatment in addition to new veneers.
Chips or Cracks
If your veneer becomes chipped or cracked, not only will it look bad, but it will leave your teeth vulnerable to damage or decay. Therefore, be sure to contact your dentist as soon as possible if you notice any chips or cracks in your restoration(s).
Pain or Discomfort
If your veneers are too big, they can make it painful to eat or speak. Your dentist can adjust their size or order a new prosthetic that fits properly so you can enjoy your beautiful, pain-free smile.
Tooth Decay
If you develop a cavity or decay around or underneath your veneer, it is important to treat it to preserve and protect the tooth. In some cases, your dentist may be able to reuse the veneer after treatment; however, he or she may need to completely replace it if necessary.
Discoloration or Stains
Veneers are naturally stain resistant and can be customized to the exact shade of white you’d prefer. Unfortunately, however, they still can become discolored due to diet and poor oral hygiene habits. If this occurs, it may be possible to have the veneer re-shaded, or if not, it’s probably time to replace it so your smile looks as beautiful and vibrant as possible.
Remember, while it’s true that veneers can last for decades with proper care and use, even the most carefully maintained restorations will eventually need to be replaced. You can do your part to ensure they last for as long as possible by brushing and flossing regularly and avoiding using them on anything too hard. In the meantime, if you notice any changes to your smile or to your veneer, speak to your dentist about your options.
About Our Practice
At Central Dental Associates, we proudly offer a variety of smile improving cosmetic dentistry treatments including veneers. Whether it’s your first time upgrading your grin, or you’d like to replace older restorations that have served you well, schedule a cosmetic dentistry consultation with one of our incredible dentists by visiting our website or calling 781-769-3566.