How Long Do Veneers Last?

How Long Do Veneers Last? from Pacific View Smile Center in Santa Monica, CAVeneers are artificial shells placed over natural teeth to conceal damage, such as discoloration or chips. Patients often invest in this type of dental restoration to create whole, even smiles that foster self-confidence. When considering any treatments to improve a smile, many patients want solutions that last. For many patients, veneers can offer a long-lasting solution. With proper care, replacements may not be needed for years to come.

Maintenace affects longevity

No one wants to make frequent visits to the dental office for repairs to previous restorations. Fortunately, one advantage to veneers is durability and longevity. When made of porcelain, these tough, artificial coverings can last 10 years, with some surviving even longer thanks to good oral hygiene practices. When patients do eventually need new shells, the replacement process is relatively simple and quick, creating an overall easy dental experience. Here are some tips on maintenance that can increase resilience.

Proper oral hygiene

Oral hygiene is important for natural teeth, gums, and any artificial restorations. By brushing twice per day, patients decrease their chances of getting gum disease and destroying veneers. Flossing at least once a day makes those odds even better, and patients do not need to worry about damaging the shells by executing these daily routines. Mouthwash can also help eliminate bacteria that may get beneath the shells and start to deteriorate a patient’s natural teeth.

Damaging foods

Once permanent veneers have been bonded to a patient’s teeth, certain foods are good to avoid to prevent accidental damage. While porcelain is stain resistant, some discoloration may happen with consuming dark and red liquids, so patients should consider reducing the amount of coffee, red wine, black tea, dark sodas, and tomato-based sauces in diets. Eating hard or crunchy foods can risk breaking or chipping restorations. Alcohol consumption should be decreased as alcohol can cause separation of the shells from the teeth by impacting the adhesives used to bond one to the other.

Materials can make a difference

When it comes to durability, the material used also matters. There are advantages and disadvantages to the two main materials used to create shells — composite resin and porcelain — but the decision on which to get depends on individual needs. Here is how the material can affect the longevity of restorations.

Composite resin

Composite restorations have been shown to last approximately five years, with some exceptions surviving a few years more. This material is more susceptible to damage than porcelain, but it is quicker and easy to apply. Composite shells can be made in the office during the same visit that a patient is prepared for treatment.

Porcelain

The more popular choice, porcelain is the decade-lasting material. It looks more realistic and natural than composite and is incredibly sturdy, making it harder to break. However, porcelain takes two separate visits to apply and is permanent, meaning a patient cannot decide to have the process reversed in the future.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Veneers and Dental Laminates in Santa Monica, CA

Conclusion

Veneers are a great choice for patients with minor tooth damage. If you are thinking about treatment, talk to a dentist to discover the right material for a new smile.

Request an appointment or call Pacific View Smile Center at 310-304-1854 for an appointment in our Santa Monica office.

Related Posts

3 Signs You May Need Veneers

Having a beautiful smile is crucial for many people. However, not everyone is pleased with their smile. Veneers are a wonderful treatment option that can be used to help improve the appearance of teeth. These thin, tooth-colored shells are typically made out of porcelain and cover the entire surface of the tooth.Veneers are customized and…

How To Keep Veneers From Staining

Dental veneers are used to treat a variety of issues, including damaged, misshapen, or misaligned teeth. While they can let patients enjoy an attractive, natural-looking smile, these tooth coverings may show signs of aging and staining without adequate care. Taking steps to prevent unnecessary stains helps keep veneers looking bright and beautiful.The most important step…

What To Expect When Getting Veneers

Dental veneers can restore the look and shape of teeth, covering a variety of imperfections. The procedure usually involves several steps in appointments spread out over a few weeks. Patients first consult with the dentist to determine whether the treatment is the right choice, before the veneers are created and fitted to the patient’s mouth.Veneers…

Related Posts

Can A General Dentist Fix A Broken Tooth?

Can A General Dentist Fix A Broken Tooth?

A broken tooth can be distressing, especially if you do not know where to turn when it happens. However, if a broken tooth is not an emergency, your general dentist can fix it in several ways. These professionals are skilled in restorative and cosmetic dentistry, which are important for repairing teeth.If the affected area has…

Signs You May Need Veneers

3 Signs You May Need Veneers

Having a beautiful smile is crucial for many people. However, not everyone is pleased with their smile. Veneers are a wonderful treatment option that can be used to help improve the appearance of teeth. These thin, tooth-colored shells are typically made out of porcelain and cover the entire surface of the tooth.Veneers are customized and…