Dental veneers are a powerful tool when it comes to enhancing the way your teeth look. Not only can they make the teeth appear white and even in tone, but also change their size and shape and conceal other cosmetic imperfections. Typically, dental veneers are made of rather durable and stain-resistant materials, but it does not mean that they are invincible. Your veneers will start showing signs of wear and tear with time, and it is a normal process. In this article, we are talking about the top reason for needing to replace dental veneers.
Top Reasons for Needing to Replace Dental Veneers
Your cosmetic dentist might recommend replacing your dental veneers in the following situations.
Your Veneers Are Damaged
Your veneers can get physically damaged, cracked, scratched, or chipped due to various reasons:
- Facial or injury or trauma
- Teeth grinding
- Using bleaching or abrasive toothpaste and toothbrushes creates micro scratches on the surface of your veneers and can cause stains and discoloration.
Your Veneers Are Stained
Staining and discoloration are some of the most common causes of dental veneer replacement, as these imperfections defeat the point of having veneers in the first place. Staining and discoloration can be caused by several factors:
- Consumption of a lot of staining foods and beverages (black coffee and tea, red wine, berries, drinks and foods containing dye, etc.)
- Smoking
- Staining is a result of micro-abrasions on the surface of your veneers caused by a hard toothbrush or toothpaste. Food particles and bacteria get stuck in these scratches, making veneers appear stained.
- The integrity of the adhesive connecting the veneer to the teeth got broken, and food and drink residue got trapped between the veneers and teeth.
- The tooth underneath the veneer is decayed or discolored. Porcelain veneers are made slightly translucent so that they can resemble the natural enamel. This means that if the tooth underneath the veneer changed its color, the veneer might appear discolored or stained.
Your Veneers Are Loose
Loose veneers mean that the adhesive seal is broken and that the tooth underneath the veneer is not protected from bacteria and damage. On top of that, you can accidentally choke on the veneer if it falls off completely during sleep. This issue requires immediate attention, so schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.
Your Gums Started to Recede
If this happens, a part of the tooth becomes exposed, where the veneer used to be touching the gum. This means that you need new veneers that will have a slightly different size or shape.
How Long Do Veneers Last?
The longevity of your veneers will depend on the material they are made from. Two most popular materials for dental veneers are porcelain and resin composite. Porcelain is thought to be considerably stronger, more durable and stain-resistant compared to resin composite. On average, porcelain veneers last for up to 10 years, while composite veneers last for about 4 to 8 years. Veneers can be also made of zirconia, which is considered to be the most durable option and can last for 10 to 20 years with proper care.
Apart from the material, your oral hygiene, general dental health, lifestyle, and eating habits can also influence the life span of your veneers.
How to Prolong the Life of Your Dental Veneers?
- Mountain good good oral hygiene. It is crucial to ensure that no food residue and bacteria lingers in your mouth, creating plaque and causing dental health issues like tooth decay and gum disease. Brush your teeth thoroughly twice a day and floss every evening. Try using water floss to remove plaque from the gum line and other hard-to-reach spots.
- Avoid foods and beverages that can stain your veneers. The list includes black coffee and tea, red wine, berries, fruit juices, foods and beverages containing dye, etc. If you consume these types of products, brush your teeth immediately after.
- Never use your teeth as tools (for example, for opening bottles, biting off thread, etc.). This can crack or chip your veneers.
- Wear a mouthguard when playing sports to avoid damaging your veneers.
- Never use abrasive toothpastes that contain soda or bleach, because they can create micro scratches on the surface of your veneers. Hard-bristled toothbrushes can also damage your veneers.
- Do not try to whiten your veneers at home, using whitening kits containing bleach. These solutions are made for natural enamel that is much more porous than veneers, and they are not compatible with them.
- Have regular professional cleanings and checkups to make sure that tartar does not form on your teeth and to prevent any potential dental health issues.
Make an Appointment Today
If you noticed changes in the appearance or fit of your dental veneers, it might be time to replace them. Get long-lasting dental veneers in La Mirada Dental One. Our dental veneer specialist will help you choose the best tint and shape of your new veneers that will enhance your smile. We are looking forward to welcoming you to our dental office.