Dental veneers, ceramic or composite shells that fit over teeth to restore damage or make cosmetic corrections, are a long-lasting, durable treatment, but do eventually need to be replaced. This guide covers some of the questions patients often have about replacing this dental work.
Not every set of veneers lasts the same amount of time, but the average useful life is 10 to 15 years. Once the appearance or function of the treatment has degraded, patients need to have it replaced.
Veneers can wear down, suffer damage or become stained or discolored over time in the same way that natural teeth do. This process may be accelerated by physical trauma to the mouth, tooth decay, poor dental hygiene, smoking or consumption of staining food and drink, such as blueberries or coffee. Additionally, the treatment sometimes needs to be removed so that the dentist can access teeth that need dental work.
The process of replacing veneers is very similar to the process of initially placing the treatment. The dentist begins by carefully removing the existing dental work so that the process does not damage the underlying teeth. Once it has been removed, the dentist cleans the teeth. The dentist may then remove a small amount of the tooth surface to make it easier to adhere to the new dental work.
Next, an impression is made of the tooth or teeth and sent to a lab. The lab typically takes one to two weeks to manufacture the replacement set of shells. When the lab is finished, the patient returns to the dentist to have the new treatment applied and adjusted for fit.
New veneers eventually need to be replaced as well. However, there are steps the patient can take to prolong the life of the dental work.
Bacteria and plaque can build up on the veneers throughout the day. Regular brushing with a soft toothbrush and nonabrasive toothpaste removes this buildup and helps prevent tartar from forming on the dental work. It also helps maintain the health of the underlying natural teeth.
Smoking or chewing tobacco can stain both the natural teeth and the veneers. Stains not only change the appearance of the dental work but can lead to a color mismatch between the treatment and the natural teeth.
Flossing helps remove food debris between the teeth that can cause decay. It is recommended to floss at least once per day, but to increase effectiveness, floss after every meal.
Chewing on hard food or objects, such as ice, pens, or fingernails, can chip or crack the veneers. Avoid chewing on non-food objects and proceed with caution when consuming hard foods.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Veneers and Dental Laminates in San Dimas, CA
Normal wear and tear and damage caused by trauma or daily activities make it necessary to replace veneers. However, patients can take steps to prolong the life of the dental work.
Request an appointment or call San Dimas Family and Sedation Dentistry at 909-740-8294 for an appointment in our San Dimas office.
Patients interested in cosmetic dental treatment may consider a smile makeover. During this procedure, a dentist transforms a patient's smile using restorations. People who want to improve certain aspects of their smiles, such as misshapen teeth, slightly crooked teeth, chipped teeth, discolored teeth, and gaps in between their teeth, may want to consider veneers. These…
Veneers are an excellent option for individuals seeking a permanent treatment that makes their teeth more attractive. A smile is often one of the first features noticed about a person; unfortunately, many dental issues can dim that happy look. Teeth may become stained from eating and drinking various types of food and drink over time.…
For dental patients wanting minor corrections to cosmetic issues, veneers offer a quick and easy solution by covering the fronts of teeth with a thin shell. Placing these restorations is typically done in three stages and takes around three weeks. It is relatively simple and generally does not involve intense preparation on the patient's part.…
Dentures can restore normalcy to the functions of chewing and eating, but for first-time wearers, there is a period spent adjusting to new dentures. By asking a dentist about this transitionary period, it is possible to minimize the discomfort and awkward mishaps that often accompany getting used to a new dental appliance. In addition, dealing…
One of the requirements for a patient to be able to get a dental implants procedure is that the patient must have sufficient jaw bone to anchor the implant. Some patients who do not have adequate bone mass may be able to get implants by first having a bone graft procedure.A dental bone graft procedure…