Porcelain veneers make a dramatic improvement in your smile and appearance, but you probably have legitimate questions about their practicality, such as:
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- What’s the lifespan of porcelain veneers?
- Why do you need to replace porcelain veneers?
Porcelain Veneers Lifespan
Though beautiful, porcelain veneers are not just about good looks. They are also tough and long-lasting. A typical lifespan for porcelain veneers is 10 years.
However, there are some variables that can affect their longevity. The important thing to know is that good daily habits will improve the lifespan of your veneers. With proper care, veneers can conceivably last as long as 30 years. On the other hand, poor maintenance or bad habits could reduce the lifespan to just five years.
Cosmetic dentist Phillip J. DeJesus and his associates Pericles Rountos, John Rallo, and Boris Arbitman in Bridgeport can explain the reasons for porcelain veneers replacement and what affects their lifespan. Porcelain veneers are durable, but abusing them may force you to replace them earlier than normal.
Thankfully, taking care of veneers is not difficult. In fact, if you practice good oral hygiene, there’s not much more you need to do.
Proper Care for Porcelain Veneers
Taking care of your veneers is as simple as taking care of your teeth:
- Brush twice a day.
- Floss every day.
- Have regular checkups at your dentist.
There is one cautionary note: Using the wrong products, such as certain types of fluoride or abrasive toothpastes, can dull the finish on your veneers. Please ask us for our recommendations for toothpaste and mouthwashes.
Reasons to Replace Veneers
Not surprisingly, accidents and bad habits that can damage your teeth can also harm your veneers, they include:
- Trauma. An accident can crack or break a veneer.
- Decay. Though veneers cannot decay, the tooth it is attached to can. If a cavity develops, the veneer will have to be removed to treat the tooth.
- Gum Disease. If you develop gum disease, your gums will recede and leave a gap between the veneer and gums. To close the gap, the veneer will have to be removed and repositioned closer to the gums.
- Bad Habits. Don’t use your teeth as tools, such as for opening packaging. This can twist the veneer, making it more prone to breaking. You also shouldn’t bite down on hard objects, such as pens, pencils, or fingernails, which create extreme pressures that can break veneers and teeth.
- Bruxism. Grinding and clenching your teeth can damage your veneers. If you suffer from bruxism, ask about a mouth guard to help protect both your veneers and your teeth.
Learn More
Porcelain veneers are an ideal solution if you suffer from cosmetic flaws, but they will not last a lifetime. They require regular maintenance and at times will need to be replaced. In most cases, you will need to replace only a few at a time, not the entire set.
If you would like detailed information about the lifespan of veneers and how to take care of them, we would be happy to assess your mouth and give you detailed information. Schedule an appointment today!