Are Veneers Permanent?

There are many cosmetic procedures on the market but perhaps the most sought-after to fix dental imperfections are veneers. They can be made of porcelain or composite resin materials and can do wonders to improve someone’s smile and confidence. 

If you’re considering dental veneers and are curious about their benefits, how long they last, and how you can increase their lifespan, then read on. In this blog from Water Valley Dental, we’re giving you all the information you need to make an informed decision.

What Are Veneers?

Veneers are a cosmetic procedure in which artificial teeth, usually made of porcelain are placed over a person’s natural teeth to hide dental imperfections such as discolored or crooked teeth. The procedure requires shaving down your natural tooth enamel so the veneers can fit perfectly in your mouth and blend in with your natural teeth.

To be a suitable candidate for veneers, you must have healthy teeth and gums with no sign of decay. If you suffer from bruxism, veneers may not be a good option for you, because porcelain veneers will be at high risk of chipping or even breaking.

Benefits of Veneers

Veneers can help restore the appearance of someone’s teeth, their overall smile, and their confidence. Some benefits of veneers include the following:

• Stain-resistant
• Durable
• Whiter, straighter, more uniform teeth
• Cover chipped or cracked teeth
• Cover gaps between teeth
• Look and feel natural
• Low maintenance
  

How Long Do They Last?

Veneers last for an average of 10 years but with proper oral hygiene and maintenance, your veneers can last for up to 20 years. Veneers are often made of porcelain materials, which are at a higher risk of cracking than their composite resin alternatives. However, many people prefer porcelain veneers because of their authentic appearance as real teeth.

To get the most out of your veneers and extend their lifespan, you should maintain excellent oral hygiene by brushing your teeth twice a day and regularly flossing. Make sure to visit the dentist every 6 months for dental cleanings and checkups. Other tips on how to prolong the life of your veneers are:

• Don’t use your teeth to open packages
• Avoid smoking & all tobacco products
• Wear a mouthguard at night or during physical activity
• Avoid teeth-staining foods and drinks like soda, coffee, wine
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush
• Use a non-abrasive toothpaste
  

Once it’s time to replace your veneers, you will need to repeat the entire process over again by filing off the bonding agent and repeating the process of taking impressions of your teeth to create a new mold. 

Deciding to get veneers is a big commitment because your enamel will be permanently shaved off by .5 mm to properly adhere the veneers to your teeth. You will need to have them replaced and cannot have them removed because the veneers are partially in place of where your natural enamel would be.

Have Any More Questions About Dental Veneers?

If you want more information about veneers, such as cost, alternatives, or if you want to get evaluated to see if you’d be a good candidate, then contact us today. You can call us at (970) 460-8989 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Daniel Banks.