If you desire a stunning, dazzling smile, porcelain veneers are an excellent option. But before you decide to invest in them, there are a few things you should know. Proper care of your porcelain veneers keeps them beautiful longer.
How long will porcelain veneers last?
It’s important to understand that porcelain veneers are not permanent. At some point, you may need to get one, several, or all of them replaced. After time, they can lose their luster. Some things can chip or damage them. In addition, the bonding material can weaken.
Because the natural tooth must be filed down for placement of veneers, going without new ones is not a great option. Therefore, you will want to do everything you can to extend their longevity and keep them looking great.
How long porcelain veneers last depends on several factors. Two of the most important factors are how the veneers were fabricated and how experienced your cosmetic dentist is.
At Metropolitan Dental Care in Denver, CO, we have highly experienced cosmetic dentists. We also utilize the services of a quality lab to make our veneers. This is important, as lab-created veneers are superior to the “made in one day” veneers some practices mill in their office.
The techniques and extra steps our lab takes mean you can expect your porcelain veneers to look more natural and stay beautiful longer.
Once your veneers are placed, how long they last depends on you.
Understand the Limitations of Porcelain Veneers
While our porcelain veneers are durable, some things can break or damage them. Also, some things can weaken the strength of the bonding material that holds the veneers in place.
Veneers are more stain-resistant than the enamel on your teeth because they are less porous. In fact, they are considered stain-resistant. This doesn’t mean, however, that you are allowed a free-for-all when it comes to foods, drinks, and smoking.
Unless you have a veneer placed on every tooth, you will have natural teeth that remain vulnerable to staining. If you partake in things that can stain teeth, you could end up with unevenly colored teeth.
In addition, items with high-staining characteristics can sometimes get through or around the veneer. If this happens, the bonding agent holding the veneer in place can begin to get discolored.
Good Oral Hygiene is More Important Than Ever
When you have porcelain veneers, you may want to step up your oral hygiene game. It is important to keep your oral health in tip-top shape.
Daily flossing and regular brushing remain important. Food particles left between teeth put you at higher risk for discoloration of the bonding material. Each time you eat, the bacteria in your mouth feed on food particles, creating plaque.
When you ignore brushing and flossing, plaque remains on your teeth. After time, this plaque hardens into tartar. Plaque and tartar lead to periodontal (gum) disease and dental decay (cavities).
You made a big investment in porcelain veneers. Don’t risk affecting their appearance. Cavities could mean fillings or a root canal with a crown that can affect the appearance of your teeth. Gum disease can lead to gum recession. This can make the top part of veneers visible. It can also lead to tooth loss. This is even true for a tooth with a veneer on it.
You also don’t want to neglect your routine dental visits. Since brushing and flossing won’t remove tartar, professional cleanings are important. In addition, your dentist will perform an exam to look for any signs of gum disease or decay. The sooner any potential issues are identified, the easier they are to treat.
Keep Your Porcelain Veneers Looking Great
Aside from excellent oral care, there are other things you can do to protect your veneers and extend their longevity.
Some suggestions include:
- Stay away from food and drinks that stain, such as red wine, coffee, and dark soda.
- Avoid tobacco.
- Watch what you eat. Some foods, such as corn on the cobb, beans, or ribs, can have hidden materials that weaken bonding or damage veneers.
- Don’t use your teeth as tools. Things like biting your nails and opening packages can cause damage.
- Avoid clenching and grinding your teeth. If this is a problem for you, discuss getting a mouthguard with your dentist so you can protect your teeth at night.
- If you use mouthwash, choose one without alcohol, which can cause the bonding material to deteriorate.
- For superficially stained veneers (the ones milled in a dentist’s office), choose toothpaste wisely. Abrasives can remove the staining, affecting the whiteness and color of your veneers.
Contact Metropolitan Dental Care Today
If you desire a more beautiful smile, Metro Dental, in Denver, CO, has several treatment options available. Call us at (303) 534-2626 or contact us online today to schedule a consultation.
