Longevity of Dental Veneers
 The teeth have several important jobs. Many of these jobs are functional, including biting, chewing, speaking, and stimulating your jawbone to maintain jaw health. In addition to these functional jobs, the teeth also serve an aesthetic purpose. They supply you with a beautiful, confident smile. Any imperfections in your teeth, no matter how minor, can significantly affect the appearance of your smile, and can also diminish your confidence. At Neil Starr, DDS, PC, we can restore the appearance of your teeth, and your smile, with dental veneers. However, how long do veneers last?
What Are Dental Veneers?Dental veneers are a cosmetic solution for minor imperfections in the enamel of the visible teeth. They resemble small, thin shells in appearance, and are used to cover over the fronts of your affected teeth. They are usually made of composite resin or porcelain, although porcelain is the most popular material. Porcelain is stronger than composite resin, and it looks just like the rest of your natural teeth. Not only can it be perfectly color matched, but porcelain also reflects light like enamel.
What Can Dental Veneers Correct?Dental veneers can correct some different issues, including:
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Small cracks and chips that affect the enamel of your visible teeth.
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Gaps between the visible teeth.
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Minor overlapping that does not affect your oral health.
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Teeth that are misshapen or small.
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Discoloration that cannot be whitened, even with professional treatments. |
Factors That Affect the Lifespan of Dental VeneersPorcelain veneers are rated to last 15 to 20 years. However, there are several factors that can affect how long your dental veneers last.:
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You drink a significant amount of alcohol. While the occasional drink will not affect the lifespan of your veneers, excessive alcohol can dissolve the bonding that holds the veneers in place.
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Oral habits. If you do things such as bite your nails, chew on writing instruments, or use your teeth as tools to open packaging, you increase the risk of damaging your veneers.
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Poor oral hygiene practices. While the veneers themselves cannot suffer cavities, the areas around the restoration and the rest of your teeth can. Additionally, veneers can still collect plaque and oral bacteria, which can lead to gum disease. Gum disease can have serious consequences when not treated, including gum recession. When your gums start receding, the aesthetics of your veneers is ruined.
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You brush your teeth too hard. If you brush too hard, you increase the risk of wearing away your sensitive gum tissue, which can lead to gum recession. |
Ensuring Long-Lasting Dental VeneersProper care is necessary for ensuring that your dental veneers last for many years. Veneers can, and should, be taken care of just like the rest of your natural teeth. You should brush your teeth at least twice a day, and floss once a day. You should also have regular dental cleanings and exams. Additionally, you should avoid habits like biting your nails and using your teeth to open packages or remove tags. With proper care, your dental veneers can provide you with a beautiful smile for many years to come.
Dental veneers are a popular treatment for restoring the teeth in the event of minor dental flaws. Not only do they restore the appearance of your smile, but they can also give you back your confidence. For more information, and to find out if dental veneers are right for you, call Neil Starr, DDS, PC today at (202) 293-7177. |
