The world of cosmetic dentistry is always evolving, and there seem to be more ways than ever to improve the look of your smile! If you’re considering visiting a dentist to discuss ways to deal with chips, cracks, or gaps, veneers might just be the answer you’re looking for. But how long do they last?
If you’re taking care of your veneers properly, they should last more than 10 years—sometimes 2 or 3 times as long. They’re a durable, long-lasting solution to many cosmetic dental problems and an excellent choice for people looking to improve their smile.
What Are Veneers?
Veneers are like an ultra-thin shield for your teeth. They’re an artificial material that gets securely and permanently bonded to the surface of your existing teeth. Typically made from porcelain, they’re customized to improve the appearance of your smile. Colour, shape, size, and length can all be adjusted so you get your ideal new look.
They’re ideal for people dealing with:
- Chips
- Cracks
- Stains
- Gaps
A set of veneers can fix most cosmetic dental problems. They’re a natural-looking treatment designed to act just like your natural teeth. Whether you’re dealing with constant stains, a severe chip, or a big space between your front teeth, veneers might be the answer.
However, not everybody is an ideal candidate for veneers. They require your existing teeth to have some level of remaining enamel—after all, the veneer can’t support itself!
Are Veneers Permanent?
While veneers are made of strong, hardy material, they aren’t indestructible. While they typically last up to 10 years or more with proper care, this does greatly depend on your lifestyle in general.
If you have a habit of grinding your teeth, your dentist may recommend a different solution since constant teeth grinding can damage your teeth. Even though veneers are extremely durable, they aren’t invincible. Grinding your teeth can chip away at the edge of the veneer or crack it entirely.
Meanwhile, they can also be damaged if you use your teeth as tools, experience trauma, or even just due to general wear and tear. The good news is that if your veneers are damaged, your dentist can step in for repairs or replacement. If you ever notice your veneers are chipped or damaged, contact your dentist as soon as possible.
How to Maintain Your Veneers
Your veneers’ lifespan will depend heavily on how well you care for them. Treat them like natural teeth, and you’ll make a big difference. Try to:
- Brush at least twice a day with a non-abrasive toothpaste.
- Floss daily to remove plaque from between your teeth and veneers.
- Avoid biting into hard foods directly with your veneers to prevent cracking.
- Wear a protective mouthguard if you participate in sports or are known to grind your teeth at night.
- Never use your teeth as tools.
And one of the easiest ways to take care of your veneers? Regularly seeing your dentist.
What to Expect When Getting Veneers
If you’re considering trying veneers, knowing what to expect is important. Fortunately, it’s a simple process—a lot simpler than you might think.
There are a few steps to getting your veneers:
- During your first visit, you’ll need to discuss your overall goals with your dentist. Then, they’ll examine your teeth to determine if you’re an ideal candidate for veneers—if not, they’ll discuss other options like crowns or bridges.
- If you’re an ideal candidate, your dentist will take X-rays and impressions of your mouth to design a treatment plan.
- Your dentist will need to prepare your teeth for veneers. To do so, a small amount of enamel is usually removed to accommodate the added thickness of the veneers. This is a crucial step but also irreversible—once the enamel is removed, it won’t grow back.
- After your teeth are prepared, your dentist will take a second set of impressions. This will be sent to a dental lab where your veneers will be custom-made to match your preferences. While waiting for your permanent veneers, your dentist will likely apply a set of temporary veneers to protect your teeth.
- Once your veneers are ready, your dentist will check the fit and colour. If you have any requests or changes, this is the time.
- Your dentist will permanently bond the veneers to your teeth using a special dental cement.
Once these steps are done, getting used to your new veneers will likely take a few weeks. If you experience any discomfort or pain, talk to your dentist as soon as possible. Keep practicing oral hygiene to take care of your veneers, and they should last you for years!
Should You Get Veneers?
If you have chips, cracks, or gaps, come talk to our team at Palermo Village Dental. We can check to see if veneers are the right choice for you. You deserve to be proud of your smile, so book an appointment with our team today!
