Dental veneers, famously known as “Hollywood teeth”, are wafer-thin, tooth-colored shells. These custom-made shells are attached to the front surfaces of teeth to make them appear more aesthetic. Veneers alter the shape, size, length, and color of teeth.
Veneers are usually made from ceramics that are tooth-colored like porcelain, so they’re often called porcelain laminates or porcelain veneers.
Why Would Someone Need Veneers?
Veneers are a fantastic option for people who have –
- Chipped or broken teeth due to injury
- Discolored teeth owing to root canal infections, certain medicines, or fluorosis
- Fractured teeth
- Differently sized teeth
- Teeth with gaps between them
It must be noted that dental veneers aren’t recommended to people with major teeth damage.
How Long Do Veneers Last?
How long veneers last depend on the material used to manufacture them.
Porcelain Veneers
The most frequently used material for veneer is porcelain. And the reason behind it is that porcelain is not only thin but also translucent, because of which, it appears very realistic. Additionally, they have a reputation for being very long-lasting.
Multiple studies conducted in 2018 suggest that porcelain veneer can last over 10 years with proper care in the majority of cases.
Another study involving 84 people fitted with porcelain veneers showed that their shells have lasted about 20 years. The same study also reflects some research pointing to shorter longevity for the same. This was probably the result of applying the veneers to teeth that weren’t properly prepped.
Composite Veneers
Resin-based composite comes in at number 2 for materials used to manufacture veneers. The study conducted in 2018 (mentioned above) concluded that composite veneers can last a good 5 years or slightly more.
While composite veneers involve a highly skilled dentist, porcelain veneers require an expert lab tech to get a successful outcome.
Furthermore, composite veneers cost much less than porcelain.
No-Prep Veneers
Similar to how they sound, no-prep veneers are just that – i.e. they don’t require extreme prep work on the teeth before installation. These veneers improve the teeth’ appearance and also save up as much of the tooth enamel as they can.
Due to no preparation, these are less invasive, and, in turn, take less time to be applied. The manufacturers of no-prep veneers claim they can last up to 20 years. Other sources, however, suggest they last up to 10 years.
What Should I Avoid With Veneers?
There are several factors that either contribute to or shorten the lifespan of your veneer sets.
The Original State Of Teeth
The original state of your teeth determines the outcome of your veneer sets.
Veneer Material
As mentioned previously, the material used to create the veneer determines how long it will last. Porcelain and no-prep veneer sets last longer than their composite counterparts. However, these are costlier, so you’ll have some thinking to do before you opt for them.
General Dental Hygiene
Ask any dentist and they’ll tell you practicing good oral hygiene is the key to maintaining any dental installation. Brushing twice and flossing once every day goes a long way in prolonging the lifespan of your veneer sets. Regular visits to the dentist combined with a professional cleaning every 6 months also help.
Bad Oral Habits
People who have habits like teeth clenching and grinding aren’t suitable candidates for veneer. Excessive pressure can lead to displacement and breaking of the veneer. However, if you do have veneer sets, wear a mouth guard to prevent them from chipping or breaking.
Using Your Teeth As A Tool
If you’ve got veneer sets, don’t use your teeth to open objects that you can easily open with designated tools.
Eating Hard Foods
Avoid foods like ice, hard candies, nuts, etc. since they can cause your veneer sets to chip. Exercise caution when biting down on any hard food.
How Often Do Veneers Need To Be Replaced?
While veneer last for almost 10 years on average, you can extend this time frame up to 20 years with proper care and treatment. Should you experience any of the following, you should head over to your dentist to replace the veneer –
The veneers have chipped, cracked, or are worn down
Porcelain veneer is extremely durable. However, if they aren’t taken care of, they can wear out and even break.
The tooth underneath the veneer has decayed
Due to poor oral hygiene or an improper fit, the teeth supporting veneers can start to decay. This can happen due to saliva or plaque being trapped between the veneer and tooth surface.
Gum disease
Similar to decay, poor oral hygiene can also cause gum disease. If not taken care of, the gums tend to create a gap between the veneer and the gum line. This leads to tooth decay and loosening of the veneer.
Wrong sized veneers were attached the first time
If your first set of veneers don’t fit your teeth properly, they can not only be bothersome but also painful and sensitive. They need to be replaced stat. At Valley Ridge Dental, we make sure your veneer sets fit perfectly before we cement them finally.
Improper application of a dental veneer
Failure to install the dental veneer properly will lead to its loosening and eventually falling off. Your dentist will file away some enamel from the tooth surface as they would’ve done before. They will then proceed to re-install the them with the help of a strong bonding agent.
There is no reason why a Hollywood smile should be restricted to those residing in Hollywood. Owing to developments in dentistry, more people can indulge in veneer. Because we believe that everybody deserves a glorious smile.
At Valley Ridge Dental, dental veneers are easy, quick, and affordable. Dr. Katie Daniels is our leading expert in the subject of cosmetic dentistry, particularly veneer procedures. For further information about them, the installation, their aftercare, and the cost, get in touch with us today.
Call us at (651) 439-0322 to schedule an appointment at our establishment. Alternatively, you can also fill this form so we can reach out to you!
