Want a smile you can feel confident about? Dental veneers can help. Veneers bond to the front of your teeth, covering up imperfections and giving you a brighter smile. How long your veneers last depends on several factors, including the materials used and how you care for your teeth afterward. With the right care, your veneers might last for 10 years or longer.
What Are Veneers?
Dental veneers are thin shells that bond to the front of your teeth. They help to restore the appearance of your teeth and offer a purely cosmetic fix for a range of concerns. Some of the problems veneers help to fix include:
- Chips or cracks in the teeth
- Uneven tooth surfaces
- Discoloration or staining on the teeth
- Worn out teeth
- Gaps between the teeth
Veneers can be made from composite resin or porcelain. Both types of veneers are bonded to the front of teeth. Before the veneer is attached, your dentist will etch the enamel of the tooth to create a rough surface for the cement to cling to.
You can have anywhere from a single veneer to six or eight, depending on how many teeth you want to correct.
How Long Do Veneers Last?
The average lifespan of a veneer is about 10 years, but there's a wide range within that estimate. For example, composite resin veneers might have a shorter lifespan than porcelain veneers. A composite resin veneer might last around five years before it needs replacing. With good care, you might be able to get up to 20 years out of a porcelain veneer.
Other factors that affect the longevity of veneers include the condition of your teeth before you get the veneers and how you take care of your oral health after getting them. Grinding your teeth (Bruxism) can also shorten the lifespan of a veneer.
How Do You Care for Veneers?
Once you get dental veneers, the best way to care for them is to take good care of your teeth and gums. Brush at least twice a day and floss at least once a day. Schedule a visit to your dentist every six months for a check-up and thorough cleaning.
If you play sports or participate in other types of physical activity, it's a good idea to always use mouth protection. Your dentist can fit you for a mouthguard to protect your teeth while you're active.
Also, avoid doing anything that puts force or pressure on the veneers. For example, don't use your mouth to open bottles or to tear objects. Try not to crunch down on ice or hard foods with your teeth. If you grind your teeth, talk to your dentist about wearing a mouthguard at night to ease pressure on the veneers. Relaxation techniques, such as meditation, can also help.
What Happens When a Veneer Wears Out?
If a veneer falls off or breaks, you have a few options. The first option is to replace the old veneer with a new one.
Depending on the state of your teeth, you might decide to replace the veneer with a crown. If the tooth itself has been damaged since you got the veneer, replacing it with a crown might be your better option.
The first step to an improved smile starts with a phone call to our office at 203-248-7400. We look forward to seeing you smile brighter and with renewed confidence. Contact us or schedule an appointment online today!