Dental veneers are dental procedures that aim to alter the appearance of your teeth. They are thin shells placed over the teeth and cover their imperfections. Although this treatment is not permanent, if you take proper care they will last for a very long time. This means you have to brush and floss them regularly just like you would with your natural teeth.
It is also important to attend regular dental visits so that they make sure that everything is fine and that your oral health is in good condition. However, the replacement time will come no matter how you take care of them. In this blog post, we will focus on the main signs that show that your veneers need to be replaced and the process that goes behind them.
What Are Veneers?
Veneers are thin shells that are custom-designed to fit your teeth and cover their surface. Usually, candidates who suffer from crooked, discolored, or misshapen teeth will be the most suitable candidates for this treatment. Sometimes venners will also be recommended by a dentist if your teeth are chipped, or have small gaps and spaces.
During the dental veneer procedure, before the placement, the dentist needs to remove a bit of the outer layer of your tooth in order for the shells to stick and stay put. This step of the procedure will make dental veneer treatment irreversible so before you consider it you should think about it thoroughly.
Full Vs. Partial Veneers
Dental veneers come in two forms, partial and full. Since they are designed to mimic your natural teeth perfectly, they are highly advised if you have only some problematic teeth. The combination of your natural teeth and veneers will result in aesthetically pleasing outcomes.
However, if all your teeth are in poor shape, dental veneers will be a good treatment option for sure. They will fix severely discolored teeth, irregular shape or size, chipped or worn teeth, and even close gaps and spaces. Also if you don’t want to keep braces, this will be an option you have to consider. This decision should be made with the help of a professional dentist and he will recommend the right treatment for you.
Who Is A Good Candidate For Veneers?
If you are considering getting dental veneers it is important to consult your dentist. He will conduct an oral examination to decide if this is the right treatment for you or not. Usually, they will recommend X-rays, 3D facial scans, and other diagnostic tools if needed. These factors will be very helpful as they will allow the dentist to assess crucial factors like the health, the structure of your teeth, and the enamel.
The dentist will also ask some questions to understand better if you will be able to maintain dental veneers. If you ask they will advise you to stop to avoid further damage and also they will emphasize the importance of regular dental hygiene practices. By combining these factors the dentists will understand better if you are a suitable candidate for this procedure or if another one is needed.
The Lifespan Of Veneers
The lifespan of dental veneers will be about 10 to 15 years. However, if you neglect oral care they will need to be replaced earlier on and if you properly maintain them they will last longer than 15 years. This time is relatively long when compared to other restoration methods like dental bonding. In order to make your veneers last longer consider these factors:
- The material of your veneers is very important when it comes to their lifespan. We highly recommend you choose high-quality porcelain materials since they are very durable and offer an appealing look.
- Choosing the right dentist for your procedure is very important. A skilled professional will know how to properly place the veneers so they don’t crack.
- Taking proper care of your veneers will make them last much longer.
- The teeth underneath the veneers should be in good condition.
- You shouldn’t skip regular visits with the dentist.
Porcelain veneers are the most used and recommended ones by dentists since they offer great stability and durability. They are also resistant to stains, which will allow you to eat and drink whatever you want without having to worry. In terms of appearance, they also mimic the color and shape of your natural teeth perfectly.
Your dental veneers may need to be replaced far more often if you choose a less durable kind of material. Think about it: no-prep veneers last 10 to 15 years with the right maintenance and the best possible oral hygiene plan, whereas composite veneers typically last 5 to 7 years.
Why Do Veneers Need To Be Replaced?
Dental veneers are designed to be extremely durable and resistant. Nonetheless, they are subjected to biting pressures on a daily basis, and being under such strain for more than a decade may be exhausting. Even if the veneers don’t fall off entirely, wear and tear might change how they look like.
Veneers are regarded as irreversible since the majority of them need the teeth to have some enamel removed in order to be prepared. This implies that once veneers are removed, you cannot live without them; you must have new ones. Thankfully, veneers are simple for a dentist to remove and replace.
How Do You Know It Is Time To Replace Your Veneers?
You can maintain the excellent condition of your veneers in a few simple ways. Avoid smoking, drink alcohol in moderation, and remember to clean and floss your teeth every day. Eat nothing crunchy or hard, and get your teeth cleaned and examined by a dentist every six months.
These practices can extend the treatment’s lifespan, but bear in mind that veneer replacement is still necessary every 10 to 20 years, even with proper home maintenance and regular examinations. When veneers begin to wear down, there are signs that you may both feel and see. Furthermore, we will explain some main signs that show that the time to replace them has come.
Discoloration And Staining
Each veneer is connected with a small amount of special dental glue, which darkens naturally with time. Since the adhesive substance itself is irreversible, replacing the veneer as a whole is the only solution to this issue.
Even though the porcelain used to make veneers is solid, staining can still occur if you often consume foods and beverages that include staining agents, including berries, coffee, red wine, tea, and soda for long periods of time. If your veneers are discolored in this way, they will need to be replaced since porcelain cannot be whitened like enamel can.
Chips And cracks
Chewing and other everyday wear and tear will also impact your veneers. This means that even with the strength of the material that will be used they remain fragile. Your veneers may eventually develop tiny chips and cracks due to wear and tear on the edges. Make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible, if you notice any of these signs so that the damaged veneers may be replaced before they break entirely.
Wear And Tear
Veneers may chip or break over time, particularly if you grind your teeth or bite onto hard things. This may result in breakage that is easy to see, such as chips, cracks, or uneven edges. It’s important to speak with your cosmetic dentist if you see any damage to your veneers so they can determine whether veneer replacements are required. Compared to those with porcelain veneers, composite veneer wear and tear may be more visible.
Changes In Fit Or Appearance
You might notice changes in the fit or look of your veneers when your natural teeth and gums alter over time as a result of dental disorders or aging. This may lead to mismatched colour or form, or gaps between the veneers and your natural teeth. It’s important to speak with a local cosmetic dentist if you notice any changes in the fit or appearance of your veneers in order to decide whether veneer replacement is the best course of action.
Structural Damage
Veneers occasionally have structural problems like breakdown or debonding, which cause the veneer to come away from the tooth surface underneath. A number of things, including trauma, deterioration, or incorrect veneer installation, might cause this. Let’s say your veneers sustain any structural damage. In such a case, it’s important to get immediate care from a licensed cosmetic dentist in order to evaluate the issue and decide whether veneer replacement is required or not.
Gap Between Your Gums & Your Veneers
The underlying tooth may not always be as durable as the veneer. The porcelain may come away from the tooth it is attached to when the latter begins to deteriorate. When that occurs, you will have to get your veneer replaced.
This also applies to your gums. There may be a space between the veneers and the pink tissue if gum disease results from inadequate dental hygiene. By changing veneers at the appropriate time, you may avoid uncomfortable symptoms and maintain your beautiful smile. Feel free to consult your dentist for advice or more help.
The Dental Veneer Replacement Process
People who want to maintain their smile will find dental veneers a great choice. This will allow you to maintain a bright and attractive smile for a long time. However, you should keep in mind that the process involves several steps which need to be carefully planned and executed. Furthermore, we will explain a step-by-step guide on what to expect during the replacing process:
Consultation And Diagnosis
Consultation and diagnosis with a professional dentist is the most important step when it comes to replacing your dental veneers. This step will entail a thorough examination of your oral health condition and the existing veneers. This will allow them to find the right course of action.
Removal Of Old Veneers
The first step of the procedure will be the removal of the old veneers to make place for the new ones. This procedure needs to be carefully done in order to not damage the underlying structure of the teeth.
Preparation Of Teeth
During the second step, after the dentist removes the old veneers, he will prepare the teeth for the new ones. Sometimes they will need to reshape and alter the tooth surface if it is needed.
Impression Taking
To create the new dental veneers, the dentist will take an impression of your teeth. This way they will make sure that the veneers will fit perfectly in your mouth.
Temporary Veneers
While you wait for the new veneers to be ready, the dentist will place some temporary ones in order to protect your smile from outside factors since they are more fragile. However, the waiting period won’t be long so you will not need to keep them for a long time.
Placement Of New Veneers
Once the veneers are ready to be placed the dentist will remove the temporary teeth. If they need further adjustments they will customize them according to your features.
Follow-up Visits
Although follow-up visits won’t be needed in most cases, the dentist may schedule one or two appointments to check if everything is going fine. The visit can be scheduled after some time to allow the patients to get used to their new teeth. If something is concerning you do not hesitate to contact us. Do not forget that if you properly take care of your teeth by brushing and flossing daily they will last for a much longer time.
How To Make Your Dental Veneers Last Longer
Dental veneers will be a wise investment if you want to improve your smile. Furthermore, we will mention some important tips on how to extend their lifespan and how to keep them healthy as long as possible.
Maintain Good Dental Hygiene
Maintaining good dental hygiene is a crucial step if you want to avoid oral issues. In order to keep your veneers as clean and healthy as possible do not forget to brush, floss, and use mouthwash at least twice daily.
Regular Dental Check-Ups
Regular dental visits are very important when it comes to the longevity of your dental veneers since a professional dentist will be able to recognize and detect early issues before they get worse.
Avoid Hard Foods
Veneers are very stable and strong but they are not unbreakable. Foods like hard candies, ice, and hard nuts will chip and break veneers. In order to avoid this try to eat soft foods that don’t apply a lot of pressure on your teeth.
Limit Consumption Of Staining Foods And Drinks
Beverages like coffee, tea, red wine, and fruits like berries will stain your veneers and even your real teeth if you consume them a lot. In order to keep your veneers as white as possible, limit your consumption of these kinds of foods.
Don’t Use Your Teeth As Tools
It is very important that you don’t use your new teeth to open things like bottle caps or packages. This kind of pressure will chip and break the veneers.
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