How long do porcelain veneers last?

Dental veneers at inspire dental of alexandria can be used to fix chipped or broken teeth, crooked teeth, and gaps between teeth! A veneer is a thin porcelain wafer that is fitted to the front of your tooth and requires only a small amount of natural tooth structure to be removed for a proper fit. When properly cared for, porcelain veneers can easily last up to 20 years.

Dental bonding is another viable treatment for the same issues but is not as durable as porcelain veneers. Unlike bonding, porcelain veneers are considered a permanent restoration and are incredibly strong and resistant to staining. Even though their durability provides a certain level of security, veneers are not indestructible and are susceptible to chips and fractures just like natural teeth. Anything that would damage your natural teeth can also damage porcelain veneers so it is important to treat them the same as your natural teeth, including care and maintenance.

Maintaining Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers may eventually need to be replaced due to normal wear and tear but there are some things you can do to make sure you get the most out of your money so your veneers last as long as possible.

Good oral hygiene is the easiest way to protect your investment! Your home care routine should include brushing at least twice a day with a non-abrasive toothpaste and flossing at least once a day. Visiting your dentist at least twice a year will help maintain the integrity of your veneers and allow your dentist to catch any problems before they get bigger. It is possible to develop decay under a veneer so make sure you allow your dentist to take necessary check-up x-rays at least once a year.

A night guard is a great way to protect your teeth from bruxism. Bruxism is the unconscious clenching and/or grinding that a lot of patients do in their sleep. It can cause chips or breaks in porcelain veneers and natural teeth alike but a night guard acts as a buffer between the upper and lower teeth and will absorb some of the pressure we apply to our teeth during sleep. You may also consider a day guard if you play sports.

Teeth are meant for speaking, biting, and chewing only! Teeth are not tools for opening packages or pulling gloves off of your hand. In the event that you do pop off a veneer, take it to your dentist as soon as possible to see if it can be re-cemented.

Veneers are an investment in your smile and yourself and even though they are more costly than other dental restorations, they can be more cost effective in the long run since they can last for so long. Most insurance companies consider veneers to be a cosmetic procedure only, even though they can be used to restore a decayed tooth. So make sure you are prepared for the cost of your veneers!

If there is something about your smile that you are unhappy with, speak with your dentist to see if porcelain veneers can fix what you do not like and if they are a good option for your individual case.

Composite vs Porcelain Dental Veneers