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Children’s DentistThey say that trends come and go. In the world of restorative and cosmetic dentistry, one such trend is veneers — a popular and effective dental treatment to help give someone confidence to smile more often. Dentists recommend them for various purposes, including making your teeth appear whiter and brighter, correcting misshapen or chipped teeth, and closing gaps between them.
Here’s an overview of this dental treatment, how long they last, and what to expect from them:
Contents Navigation
- Dental Veneers: A Quick Glance
- Do Veneers Last Forever?
- What Affects The Lifespan Of Veneers?
- What Are The Types of Dental Veneers?
- How Do You Care For Dental Veneers?
- Why Do Veneers Need To Be Replaced?
- Can Damaged Veneers Be Repaired?
- Are There Alternatives To Dental Veneers?
- Are Veneers Worth It?
- Final Thoughts
Dental Veneers: A Quick Glance
Veneers are wafer-thin and custom-made shells crafted from tooth-coloured materials. They are designed to be bonded to the front surfaces of your teeth to help improve the colour, shape, size, and overall appearance of your teeth.
Veneers are made from different materials, including porcelain and composite resin. Porcelain veneers are more expensive, but they’re also more durable and natural-looking. Whereas composite resin veneers are less expensive, they’re more likely to stain and chip over time.
The process of this dental procedure usually involves the following steps:
- Consultation and treatment planning with your dentist
- Preparation of your teeth wherein a thin layer of your tooth enamel will be trimmed
- Taking dental impressions
- Fabrication of your dental veneers in a dental laboratory
- Bonding the veneers to your teeth
- Follow-up appointments with your dentist
It’s important to note that not everyone is a good candidate for veneers. The good candidates for this dental treatment are patients who have the following:
- Good oral hygiene
- No gum disease
- No tooth decay
- Strong, healthy teeth
- Realistic expectations also, remember that dental problems, such as tooth decay and gum disease, must be addressed before getting dental veneers.
Do Veneers Last Forever?
Veneers are not designed to last forever. However, their lifespan can be up to 15 years or more, depending on how well you care for them. Also, you must remember that the type of veneer you get will also affect how long they last.
What Affects The Lifespan Of Veneers?
The lifespan of your veneers will depend on many factors, and you play a vital role in how long they last. These factors include:
- Your Oral Hygiene Habits
It is a must to brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes and floss daily to protect your veneers from damage. These habits help remove plaque and bacteria that may cause tooth decay, gum disease and other dental problems. These dental issues can lead to veneers becoming loose or falling off.
In addition, rinsing your mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash can also help reduce the risk of gum disease. - Clenching or Grinding Your Teeth
You’re more likely to crack or chip your veneers if you grind or clench your teeth. This is why it’s essential to see your dentist if you have this problem so they can fit you with a mouthguard to protect for your teeth. - Your Lifestyle Choices
Your lifestyle choices can also affect the lifespan of your veneers. For example, chewing on hard objects or using your teeth as tools in opening packages can put more stress on your veneers and cause them to break or chip. Veneer patients who frequently drink coffee or tea can also stain their veneers over time. - Type of Material Used
As mentioned above, veneers are made from different types of materials. Porcelain veneers are more long-lasting than composite resin veneers, and they’re also less likely to stain. So if you’re looking for veneers that will last longer, porcelain veneers may be your better option.
What Are The Types of Dental Veneers?
There are a few types of dental veneers: porcelain, composite resin and no prep.
Porcelain veneers
Porcelain veneers are considered the traditional veneers. They’re the most popular type due to their durability. They are also more natural-looking than composite resin veneers. Porcelain veneers are thin yet strong ceramic shells that are custom-made to match the colour and shape of your teeth.
Their benefits include:
- Resists staining better than composite veneers
- Looks more like your natural teeth
- Long-lasting for up to 15 years or more
The disadvantages of porcelain veneers include:
- Most expensive type of veneer
- Requires more preparation
Composite resin veneers
Composite resin veneers are made from a mixture of plastic and glass. They can be a more affordable option than porcelain veneers, but they’re also more likely to stain and chip over time.
Their advantages are as follows:
- Cheaper than porcelain veneers
- More easily repaired if it chips
- Requires less tooth preparation
The disadvantages of composite veneers include:
- Not as durable as porcelain veneers
- More likely to stain and chip
No-prep veneers
As the name suggests, no prep veneers do not require any tooth preparation, meaning your dentist won’t have to remove any of your tooth’s enamel. They are made from a thin layer of composite resin bonded directly to your teeth.
No prep veneers have the following advantages:
- Preserves more of your natural tooth structure
- Does not require as much time or anesthesia
The disadvantages are as follows:
- Shorter lifespan
- More expensive
- Not as strong or durable
There are different brands of no-prep veneers that you can choose from. The most popular are Lumineers, Vivaneers and DURAthin. They differ in terms of price, durability and thickness. Ask your dentist which one is right for you.
How Do You Care For Dental Veneers?
No matter which dental veneer type you choose, taking care of them is crucial so they can last as long as possible. Here are a few tips on how to do so:
- Floss daily and brush your teeth at least twice a day.
If you don’t brush and floss regularly, plaque and bacteria can build up around your veneers and teeth, causing tooth decay, gum disease or other dental problems. Maintaining an oral hygiene routine is crucial to the longevity of your veneers. - Be careful with what you eat and drink.
Avoid or limit your consumption of hard or sticky foods that can damage your veneers. Try to limit your intake of coffee, tea and red wine, as these can stain veneers over time. Also, dark food or drinks may stain the bonding material used to attach your veneers to your teeth. - See your dentist regularly.
Seeing your dentist at least twice in one year for checkups and cleanings can contribute to the lifespan of your veneers. During these appointments, they will be able to check for any signs of wear and tear on your veneers and determine if they’re still in good condition. - Avoid chewing on hard objects.
Chewing on hard objects, like your fingernails or ice, can put unnecessary pressure on your veneers and cause them to break or chip. - Consider quitting smoking.
Smoking cigarettes is among the worst things you can do for your veneers. Not only does it stain them, but it also increases your risk of gum disease, which can damage your veneers. - Use non-abrasive toothpaste.
Abrasive toothpaste can wear down your veneers over time. Use non-abrasive toothpaste that’s gentle on your teeth and won’t damage your veneers.
Why Do Veneers Need To Be Replaced?
Even with proper dental care, veneers only last for a certain amount of time. Porcelain veneers usually need to be replaced after 10-15 years, and composite resin veneers need to be replaced every 5-7 years.
The following are reasons why your veneers should be replaced:
- Gum Disease
Gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults. If you have gum disease, it can damage your veneers and cause them to fall out. - Staining
Veneers are resistant to staining, but they’re not immune to it. Over time, they can become stained from certain food or beverages, such as coffee, tea or red wine. - Tooth Decay
Some areas around our teeth are difficult to clean even with regular brushing and flossing, which may lead to tooth decay. Left untreated, it can damage your veneers and cause them to fall out. - Wear and Tear
Even with proper care, veneers will eventually show signs of wear and tear. This is to be expected, so you should have them replaced when they start to show damage.
Can Damaged Veneers Be Repaired?
It can be repaired. However, in other cases, they will need to be replaced.
The following are some examples of damage that can be repaired:
- Chipped. If your veneer is chipped, your dentist may be able to repair it with composite resin.
- Cracked. If it is cracked, your dentist can repair it with composite resin or porcelain.
- Worn out. If your veneer is worn out, your dentist may be able to buff it down and make it look new again.
Are There Alternatives To Dental Veneers?
If you’re not sure if dental veneers are right for you, there are a few alternatives that you can consider. These include:
- Dental Bonding
Bonding is a dental treatment in which composite resin is applied to the teeth and hardened with a special light. It can be used to improve the appearance of your teeth, and it’s less expensive than veneers. - Tooth Whitening
Tooth whitening is a popular alternative to veneers. It’s less expensive and can be done at home or in the dentist’s office. - Orthodontic treatment
Orthodontic treatment can help improve crooked, gapped, or severely misaligned teeth. There are different types, including metal braces or clear aligners. Keep in mind that orthodontic treatment is a more expensive and time-consuming option, but it is highly effective in providing the results you’re looking for. - Dental Crowns
Dental crowns can be used to improve the appearance of your teeth, like veneers. They cover the entire tooth that needs repair, and they’re made to match the colour of your natural teeth. They come in different types of materials and can be more expensive than veneers.
Are Veneers Worth It?
Considering the benefits of veneers, many people find they’re worth the cost. However, the final decision is still up to you. If you’re considering veneers, talk to your dentist about all your options to make an informed decision.
Final Thoughts
Dental veneers can help improve your smile, and in order to extend their lifespan, they must be taken care of through proper oral hygiene and avoiding certain habits, such as smoking. Depending on the type of material you choose and how you take care of your veneers, they can last between 5-15 years before they need to be replaced,
Call Karrinyup Dental Centre at (08) 9341 6233 to schedule a consultation if you’re considering veneers. We will help you decide if veneers are right for you and create a treatment plan that meets your needs.
