How long do porcelain veneers last?
Porcelain veneers richmond va are a thin porcelain wafer that is fitted to the front of your tooth. The nearest can correct chipped or broken teeth, crooked teeth, and gaps in the smile. Veneers require only a small amount of natural tooth structure to be removed for a proper fit. Caring for your veneers just as you do your natural teeth will help them last as long as possible!
When properly cared for, porcelain veneers can easily last up to 20 years. Unlike dental bonding, personal veneers are considered a permanent restoration and are incredibly strong and resist staining. Even though they are very strong, veneers are not indestructible so it is important to treat them as you do your natural teeth. Anything that would damage your natural teeth can also damage your porcelain veneers so take care not to chew ice or bite into hard things.
Making Porcelain Veneers Last
Your veneers may eventually need to be replaced but there are some things you can do to make sure you get the most out of your money and have your veneers as long as possible. A few things you can do include:
- 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 Avenir so make sure you allow your dentist to take x-rays at least once a year to keep everything healthy.
- Investing in a night guard is a great way to protect your teeth from bruxism in your sleep. Bruxism is the unconscious clenching and grinding that a lot of patients do in their sleep. This can chip or break porcelain veneers and natural teeth but a night guard acts as a buffer and absorbs some of the pressure we apply to our teeth in the night. You may also consider a day guard if you play sports or participate in anything that could cause you to fracture a tooth.
- Our teeth are meant for speaking, biting, and chewing, they are not tools for opening packages or pulling gloves off of your hand! In the event that you do pop off a veneer, get to your dentist as soon as possible to have it re-cemented.
Veneers are an investment in your smile and even though they are on the more costly side of dental restorations, they can be significantly less expensive in the long run. Make sure you are prepared for the financial cost of your veneers as most insurance companies consider veneers a cosmetic procedure and will not cover any of the costs.
If you are unhappy with any part of your smile, speak with your dentist to see if porcelain veneers are a good option for you.
More on Porcelain Veneers : What are Porcelain Veneers?