These days, more and more people are achieving the smiles they’ve always dreamed of with the help of treatments like porcelain veneers. In fact, the demand for cosmetic dentistry has effectively doubled in the last five years alone! But if you’re curious about seeking veneers to enhance your smile’s looks, you might wonder right off the bat just how long your new smile is destined to last. Here’s what you need to know about the lifespan of veneers and a few useful tips for ensuring your smile continues to look refreshed and beautiful for many years to come!
What Are Veneers?
If you want to enhance your smile, veneers are a great option for achieving a brighter, more uniform appearance. These thin, custom-made shells are placed over the front of your teeth to cover imperfections like discoloration, chips, cracks, gaps, and more. While they do require the teeth to be slightly altered, this part of the process is quick and painless, while ultimately ensuring your veneers last and look their best.
How Long Do Veneers Usually Last?
That said, the lifespan of veneers does depend on a few different factors. On average, they can last 10 or more years with proper care – and they can easily be replaced if the need arises, since the underlying teeth will already be prepped. Their material composition is also relevant; porcelain veneers tend to last a little longer than composite resin veneers, for instance.
In any case, some things that often influence their lifespan include:
- Oral Hygiene – This is the biggest factor that influences how long veneers last; you’ll need to take care of your teeth diligently to ensure they remain shiny and in place.
- Diet – You’ll want to avoid particularly hard or crunchy foods, as well as extra chewy items, as these can all dislodge your veneers. On a similar note, frequently drinking beverages known to cause staining might also cause your veneers to look dull after a while.
- Lifestyle – Poor oral habits like smoking and chewing tobacco can compromise your teeth, and in turn, your veneers. Likewise, failing to wear a sportsguard during sports, or a nightguard if you grind your teeth, can also result in damaged or chipped veneers.
How Can I Ensure My Veneers Continue to Look Great?
The absolute best way to maintain your veneers is simple – maintain them as you would your natural teeth! Fortunately, they don’t require any sort of specialized maintenance; you simply need to brush your teeth two times each day, floss daily, and maintain your routine dental checkups. All of this won’t just keep your veneers looking great – it’ll also protect your underlying teeth from nasty issues that would compromise your veneers.
It’s also wise to avoid foods and drinks that cause staining, such as coffee, tea, red wines and sauces. And if you believe you grind your teeth at night, a condition known as bruxism, speak with your provider about getting a custom-made nightguard to protect both your teeth and your veneers.
About the Practice
Our talented team at Dr. Joseph Costa Family Dentistry has proudly served the dental needs of families in Worcester for several years, offering a wide range of preventive, restorative, and cosmetic treatment options including beautiful porcelain veneers. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to set up an appointment to see if veneers are a good solution for you, please contact us today for more information or assistance! Telephone: (508) 755-1980.