Longevity of Dental Veneers
Rochester, NY
 Every one of us wants to smile wide and show off our teeth without feeling self-conscious. However, the appearance of our teeth has stopped many of us from doing so until the creation of dental veneers.
Dental veneers are a game-changing cosmetic dental treatment that has become increasingly prevalent in recent years due to their effectiveness. The dentist fits specially designed thin shells of tooth-colored material on the front of the teeth, which greatly improves the appearance and corrects dental issues such as chipped, crooked, uneven, or discolored teeth. If you are interested in getting veneers, allow us to give an overview of their longevity and the factors that impact their lifespan.
What Are Veneers?
Veneers are custom-made thin shells of tooth-colored material fitted over the front of the tooth. The dentist measures the patient’s teeth to ensure that the veneers fit perfectly and do not seem out of place. Veneers are either made from resin composite or porcelain to mimic the appearance of real teeth and give a natural appearance.
Veneers made from porcelain last longer and are more resistant to staining. They are also more expensive compared to resin composite. The latter is cheaper and quicker to fit, but the trade-off is a shorter lifespan and more chances of staining.
Veneers are applied to the teeth throughout two to three dental appointments. First, the dentist cleans the teeth and removes enamel to prepare it for the fitting. They also take impressions of the prepared teeth to create custom veneers. The second appointment is reserved for fitting and making sure they fit perfectly, look natural, and do not give the patient any trouble while chewing or speaking.
Once the dentist and the patient are satisfied, the veneers are sealed into place with the help of dental cement and a curing light.
What Problems Can Veneers Correct?
Veneers dramatically change the overall appearance of the teeth. However, they particularly target misaligned, misshapen, and discolored teeth.
Longevity of Dental Veneers
The longevity of dental veneers depends on two factors: their material and the level of care provided to them.
Material
Porcelain veneers that are well taken care of can last up to 12 years. Resin composite veneers that are well-taken care of can last up to eight years.
Maintenance and Care that Extends the Life of Veneers
Consistent care of veneers can help increase their lifespan. To do that, ensure you maintain good oral hygiene by brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash once or twice daily.
Once you have veneers, it’s important to give up on habits like chewing fingernails, pencils, pens, or any hard object, as these can chip away veneers, just like they do real teeth. If you are a teeth grinder, you must wear a mouthguard while sleeping to protect your veneers. You should also make sure to have regular dental cleanings and checkups. And lastly, you should limit coffee, tea, wine, and tobacco consumption, as these items are the biggest culprits behind teeth staining.
The longevity of dental veneers depends on their quality and the patient’s oral hygiene and habits. On average, your veneers can last for eight to 15 years. They are great for the appearance of your teeth and will last longer if you take good care of them. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Isaac Kuyunov at Dental Prosthodontics of Rochester if you’re interested in getting veneers. Contact us at (585) 673-7702.
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