Achieving your ideal smile is a consistent process, and cosmetic dentistry is a great avenue to achieve those goals. The evolution of dental science has brought dental veneers to the forefront as a great option to achieve your ideal smile.
But what are dental veneers? And how long do they last? Let’s look at what dental veneers are, some contributing factors to dental veneer health, and how long they can last. As well, check out some of the cases done by Arch Dental by looking at our before and after gallery.
What Is a Dental Veneer?
Dental veneers are part of the cosmetic dentistry family and help patients with chipped, decayed or stained teeth improve the appearance of their smile. Veneers are ultra-thin laminates of porcelain that are bonded to the front of your teeth to change the colour or shape and close any gaps.
The most common application area for veneers is the top front 8 teeth. Some people may choose to get a single veneer to fix a broken or chipped tooth, but the whole process usually involves 6 to 8 veneers to create a symmetrical, even smile.
Porcelain veneers are a popular dental material used commonly to perform the procedure. Veneers are made from a thin layer of porcelain (about 1 millimetre in thickness). They are a durable material designed to match the colour of the rest of your teeth.
Porcelain is a very stain-resistant material, but certain drinks and foods can change their colour over time, including:
- Coffee
- Red wine
- Acidic foods
- Cigarettes
Veneers are primarily used for more cosmetic purposes than dental crowns, which are more commonly used to restore damaged and decayed teeth. Applying a dental veneer involves grinding down your tooth enamel slightly to accommodate the bonded veneers.
Some advantages of dental veneers:
- Veneers provide a natural tooth appearance
- Gums tolerate porcelain well
- Porcelain veneers are stain-resistant
- They generally don’t require as much shaping as crowns
With some advantages of dental veneers in mind, let’s look at proper maintenance methods.
Maintenance of Dental Veneers
Once your dental professional performs the process and sets your veneers, the recovery process can begin. Veneers can take time to smooth out—the recovery process requires some patience and caution on your part while also not taking up too much time.
Some things to avoid following your dental veneers procedure:
- Avoid chewing on hard objects like pens or chewing on ice.
- Avoid using your teeth to open packaging.
- Use a mouthguard while playing sports or during other physical activities.
- If you grind your teeth, consider a preventative mouth guard or splint.
Your team of dental professionals will go through the recovery process with you, answering any questions or concerns you may have along the way.
Dental Veneers Lasting Power
Dental veneers do not last forever, but they are made from durable, long-lasting materials designed to stand the test of time.
The average lifespan of a porcelain veneer is 12 years or longer while maintaining healthy oral hygiene habits.
With dental veneers, some things can affect longevity:
- The state of your teeth before installation
- Veneer materials
- Your dental hygiene habits
- Mouth protection
- Tooth grinding
- Using your teeth as tools
- Taking care with hard foods
The lifespan of dental veneers is all about the proper installation and thorough maintenance following the procedure.
To maximize your veneers, try avoiding these things, so your veneers last longer:
- Teeth whitening toothpaste—is more abrasive and can scratch your veneers, so it’s essential to consult your dental professional to find the right toothpaste.
- Alcohol-based mouthwash—can wear away the bonding resin that keeps your veneers in place, causing them to loosen and eventually fall off.
- Hard bristled toothbrushes can scratch your veneers and damage them—a softer toothbrush is better for preserving your veneers.
- Not flossing—can cause bacteria to build up or even discolour your veneer. It’s essential to make sure you’re flossing gently between the veneers so as not to irritate your gums and the veneer material.
Your dental professional can ensure you’re up-to-date with all the latest dental veneer maintenance methods.
Preserving Your Dental Veneers
Dental veneers are a great option to achieve your ideal smile, and with proper maintenance, they are a great investment that last a long time. Practicing good dental health is about consistency, and it’s no different with veneers.
Get in touch with your dental professionals today to learn more about dental veneers and if they’re right for you.
