Veneers are an excellent choice for creating the smile of your dreams. They are made of a specialized, long-lasting resin designed to look so natural that no one will notice they’re veneers.
Resin veneers must be placed directly on the tooth’s surface and then sculpted to the desired shape by your dentist. They can be used to treat a variety of cosmetic issues, including chipped, cracked, discoloured, or smaller-than-average teeth.
Some people may only need one veneer when a tooth is cracked or chipped, but many require 6 to 8 veneers to achieve a uniform, symmetrical smile.
Veneers are an appealing option for anyone looking to improve their smile. If you’re looking to get your own veneers, you’ll likely want to make them last as long as possible.
Are Veneers Permanent?
Although veneers are made of strong dental materials, they’re not indestructible. Composite resin veneers can last 4 to 8 years if properly maintained. When your veneers reach the end of their useful life, they must be replaced. The following factors contribute to the longevity of your veneers:
- The state of your teeth before placement. Some dentists believe the condition of your natural teeth can influence how long a veneer lasts.
- Your dental health. It is critical to practice good dental hygiene. Regular flossing and twice-daily brushing are needed to keep veneers in good condition.
- Regular dental exams. Dental exams and professional cleanings will help remove stains and assess your teeth for other issues.
How to Make Resin Veneers Last Longer
The longevity of your veneers is determined by how well you care for your teeth.
Avoid Damaging Your Veneers
Veneers, like natural teeth, can undergo wear and tear, which shortens their lifespan. To avoid this, make sure you avoid physically damaging your veneers.
Try to avoid trauma to your teeth. If you lead an active lifestyle and play contact sports, wear a mouthguard for protection.
Finally, treat your veneers the same way you would your natural teeth:
- Don’t use your teeth to open packages
- Don’t bite your nails
- Avoid brushing them too vigorously
- Avoiding eating hard foods with your front teeth
- Avoid using a hard bristle toothbrush
- Avoid grainy or rough toothpaste that can be abrasive
Don’t Grind Your Teeth
If you grind your teeth, you can wear down your veneers over time. Wearing a nightguard can help prevent teeth from grinding while you sleep. Relaxation exercises, particularly those involving the jaw, may also be beneficial. Consult your dentist about teeth grinding if you have any concerns.
Practise Good Oral Hygiene
Even if you have veneers, tooth decay can still happen. The veneer itself won’t decay, but the underlying tooth will. This may jeopardize the life of your veneers.
Brush and floss your teeth twice a day to keep tooth decay at bay. Flossing is especially important because bacteria can form between the veneer and your tooth’s enamel. If this happens, the veneer will likely need to be replaced.
Fortunately, with proper oral hygiene, you can go a long way toward extending the life of your veneers.
Teeth are Not Tools
Because resin veneers can both cosmetically restore and protect a tooth, they should not be used as ice picks or bottle openers. If you want your veneers to last as long as possible, you should only use your teeth for biting and chewing food.
Avoid Things That Will Stain
Just like with your natural teeth, some foods and drinks can stain your veneers. Although you can whiten your natural teeth, you can’t do so with veneers. Stained veneers have to be replaced.
Certain strongly coloured foods have a higher staining potential, such as:
- Berries
- Turmeric
- Wine
- Soda
- Tea
- Coffee
Additionally, cigarettes will stain the composite that holds to the natural teeth. As a result, the veneers may have dark spots.
See Your Dentist Regularly
You should visit your dentist for a dental check-up at least every 6 months. In addition to inspecting your teeth and gums for signs of decay, your dentist can spot any changes in your veneers and advise you on how to make them last as long as possible.
Thinking of Getting Veneers?
Dental veneers can be a great solution for improving your smile if you have discoloured, chipped, or misaligned teeth. Veneers can be placed on all of your front teeth or just one tooth that needs to be fixed.
Resin veneers can last 4 to 8 years, depending on how well they are cared for. It’s critical to:
- Maintain a proper oral hygiene routine
- Prevent physical harm and staining
- Visit your dentist every 6 months
Quality installation is another important factor in veneer longevity. A knowledgeable, experienced dentist is required for long-lasting veneers.
Maplebrook Dental can handle all of your dental needs, including veneers. Book your appointment today.
