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Longevity of Dental Veneers Your teeth are an important part of your mouth. They perform several important functions, including biting and chewing food as well as helping you to form certain words when you speak. They also provide you with a beautiful smile. When your teeth are marred by minor imperfections, however, the quality of your smile is greatly diminished. At Dallas Prosthodontics, we provide you with dental veneers to restore your beautiful smile, but how long do they last?What are Veneers?Veneers are thin “shells” that cover the fronts of your visible teeth. There are different types of veneers. They can be made of composite resin or porcelain, the latter being the more popular option. While typically more expensive, porcelain is stronger than composite resin, able to withstand normal biting and chewing forces. Porcelain also more closely imitates the enamel of your teeth, including enamel’s natural light reflecting properties. Veneers are designed to fix some minor dental imperfections, including such things as:
To get veneers, a small amount of the enamel of the affected teeth needs to be removed. This is done under a local anesthetic. Once the enamel has been removed, impressions are taken, which are sent to a lab. Your Veneers are custom designed and fabricated. When they are ready, they are checked for proper fit and color and bonded into place using a special dental cement.
Factors that Can Affect the Lifespan of Your VeneersPorcelain veneers can last 15 to 20 years or more. However, there are many factors that can affect this projected lifespan, and cause them to require replacement sooner. These factors include:
How to Properly Care for Your VeneersTo keep your veneers beautiful and functional for their expected lifespan, taking proper care of them is important. Brush and floss your teeth every day. This will help to avoid the buildup of plaque and bacteria that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. While your veneers cannot experience decay, the exposed areas of your teeth (and the ones not shielded by veneers) can. Avoid habits like biting your fingernails or using your teeth to open packaging. You should also avoid biting or chewing hard foods like ice or popcorn kernels. Moreover, make sure that you attend regular dental visits for cleanings and exams. By taking proper care of your veneers, you can ensure that they will last you many years to come. If you are interested in dental veneers to fix minor imperfections in your teeth, call Dallas Prosthodontics to schedule your consultation today at (972) 503-7200! |
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