Practicing good oral hygiene not only improves your dental health but it also helps you maintain a smile you enjoy sharing with others. Every time you brush and floss, you’re taking care of both of these. Yet, even with all your efforts, there are times when you may need a little extra help in creating a unique smile. That’s where porcelain veneers can be a benefit.
Whether you are currently considering adding veneers to boost your smile or already have one or more, here are the things you need to know about them and how long you can expect them to last.
What are Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are thin, tooth-colored coverings or shells bonded to the front of teeth to improve appearance. With them, you can effectively change the color, size, shape, or length of your teeth. They hide cosmetic flaws and enhance your smile with a natural look.
Porcelain veneers also look and feel much like your regular teeth. As a bonus, these durable solutions are similar in strength to your natural tooth enamel, so you can eat as you normally would.
You and your dentist may discover and decide that you need just one or two to even out your teeth. You may also choose to apply them across all the teeth that show when you smile, creating whiter and straighter teeth to boost your look and confidence.
As a result, it is the veneers that show whenever you flash that smile.
While there are a few other types of veneers available, the porcelain ones look the most realistic and also last the longest.
What are the Reasons for Choosing Veneers?
Patients with stained, misshapen, or chipped teeth often find veneers a solution for improving the appearance of their smile. Porcelain veneers can create straighter, more aligned, and whiter teeth, so you are never embarrassed to talk in public or share that smile.
More specific reasons for choosing veneers as a solution include the following.
- Hide stains or discoloration of teeth
- Cover or reshape chipped, cracked, or broken teeth
- Lessen the gaps between teeth (closing the space between those teeth)
- Cover large resin fillings
- Build up teeth that are noticeably worn down and contain less tooth enamel
- Straighten the appearance of crooked teeth
- Even out uneven or misaligned teeth
- Increase the size of small teeth to better match with surrounding teeth
- Improve the outward look of crowded teeth
How Long Do Porcelain Veneers Last?
How long your porcelain veneers last will depend on a variety of factors and will not be the same for everyone. Still, on average, most porcelain veneers today are lasting approximately 10-12 years. With extra care and maintenance, some patients can keep their veneers in such good shape that they last up to and exceed 20 years.
Essentially, how long veneers last is the result of how a patient cares for them over the short and long term. Once damaged, however, they will need replacing.
Breakage can occur as a result of chewing on ice or other hard substances such as nuts, or simply because of ongoing pressure from daily usage. Breaks can also occur due to changes in your bite, which result when you experience tooth loss, decay, or tooth enamel erosion.
In addition, over time, excessive staining can occur or decay can form on the natural teeth underneath, both of which may affect the appearance of the veneers and require replacement.
How Can You Prolong the Life of Your Veneers?
The true secret to prolonging the life of your porcelain veneers is to continue your daily practices of good oral hygiene. Brushing and flossing regularly can keep them in pristine shape and maintain their appearance. Also, continue with regularly scheduled cleanings and dental check-ups. Your dentist will check on the veneers each time and make sure they continue to serve your smile in positive ways.
Porcelain veneers are mostly stain-resistant, but your dentist may still recommend you avoid certain beverages and foods such as red wine, berries, coffee, and tea. Also, avoid biting down on or chewing hard items, such as ice or nuts.
Additional recommendations include not opening packages with your teeth and avoiding all biting of your nails. Other precautionary measures include wearing a mouthguard when participating in certain activities and sports. If you experience bruxism, the grinding of teeth at night, wear a customized night guard.
For more tips on how to increase the longevity of your porcelain veneers, talk with your dentist and ask for guidance.
Find Out More About Porcelain Veneers at Bateson Dentistry
Whether you currently have porcelain veneers or are considering them, Dr. Bateson and her team at Bateson Dentistry can answer questions and ensure you receive what you need to create and maintain a smile you love. Contact our Findlay office today and schedule a consultation or appointment to learn more or for any other dental needs you may have.