Looking to restore your confidence or enhance your smile? If you’re worried about crooked, broken, or discolored teeth, or your teeth have small gaps between them, veneers can be the solution to getting back your natural beauty. Veneers can be placed in as little as two appointments, but the results can last for decades to come. However, your oral hygiene and lifestyle habits can impact how long before your veneers might need replacing. Here’s how to extend the lifespan of your veneers.
What Are Veneers?
Veneers are thin, tooth-colored shells of high-quality materials such as porcelain or composite resin fit snugly over your natural teeth for a seamless, long-lasting solution to a wide array of dental imperfections.
If you’re concerned about the color, shape, and minor misalignment of your teeth, veneers are an excellent way to transform multiple aspects of your smile with one procedure. The procedure can be done in as quick as two visits and is painless thanks to effective numbing solutions, but you will need to have a very tiny amount of your enamel removed so the veneers don’t protrude unnaturally.
Can Veneers Be Permanent?
If you maintain a regular routine of oral hygiene and dental visits, you can extend the life of your veneers for years. But, veneers are not permanent, and while they can last up to 30 years, their typical lifespan is around 10 to 20 years. Should you choose to get veneers, it’s important to realize that due to the miniscule enamel removal, the process is usually irreversible, and you’ll need to replace one set of veneers with another.
The numerous changes veneers can offer you for long-term smile enhancement are worth it. With a little careful hygiene management and some other steps, you can have your radiant smile for years to come.
How to Clean and Maintain Your Veneers
You should care for your veneers the way you would your natural teeth. It’s important you keep a dedicated oral hygiene routine and are brushing and flossing regularly. Avoiding hard foods and chewing ice will help you steer clear of breakage. While veneers are made of stain-resistant materials, it doesn’t hurt to using a straw when drinking dark-colored beverages and stay away from tobacco to ensure your new smile remains bright.
Additional steps you can take to protect your veneers are to wear a nightguard while you sleep if you chronically grind/clench your teeth or a mouthguard if you participate in sports (even non-contact ones).
Changing up your dental hygiene supplies can go a long way in maintaining the longevity of your veneers. For example, you should use soft-bristled toothbrushes or find a toothpaste that isn’t gritty so it won’t scratch the porcelain.
For those wanting to change the state of their smile, veneers offer a good, durable way to fix multiple aesthetic dental issues at once.
About the Author
Under the expert guidance of Dr. Eric Tolliver, the team at Galleria Dental of Springfield is dedicated to helping you achieve a smile you can be proud of. The practice offers a comprehensive range of specialized dental services, including cosmetic dentistry, all catered towards your needs. If you want to learn more about veneers, you can contact Dr. Tolliver by his website or by phone at (417) 887-5757.