Are Dental Veneers Permanent? What You Need to Know
Dental veneers are a great way to give your smile the gorgeous, picture-perfect appearance you’ve always wanted.
What Are Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers are prosthetic ceramics or other materials that fit over the front of teeth.
They have several uses and can be composed of porcelain or composite resin. They can correct tooth cosmetic problems such as discolouration, fractured or cracked teeth, spacing, and twisted teeth.
Dental veneers are among the most effective alternatives for providing a person with an even and beautiful teeth look.
Veneers are placed in the following way: The dentist shaves off a portion of the outer part of the teeth to accommodate the veneers. This step is crucial as it ensures the veneers fit comfortably and look natural.
After the enamel is etched, the veneers are cemented onto your teeth using a special cement, giving you a beautiful smile that may last for many years.
The Longevity of Dental Veneers
One of the most common questions is whether dental veneers are permanent. While veneers are not considered permanent in the same way that a dental implant might be, they are a long-lasting solution. Depending on several variables, dental veneers can endure ten to twenty years.
Material Matters
The type of material used for your veneers significantly affects their longevity. Porcelain veneers, for example, are known for their durability and resistance to staining. With proper care, they can last up to 15 to 20 years.
Conversely, composite resin veneers are generally less expensive but may only last 7 to 10 years.
They are also more prone to chipping and staining compared to porcelain veneers.
Your Oral Hygiene Routine
How well you take care of your veneers will directly impact their longevity. As with natural teeth, veneers are prone to accumulation, and brushing and flossing are used to maintain their aesthetics and functionality.
Fluoride toothpaste should be avoided because it can stain your veneers. However, the toothpaste must be non-abrasive if this cannot be avoided.
Besides, to ensure the longevity of your veneers, visit your Wodonga dentist for regular check-ups and teeth cleaning.
Lifestyle Choices
Other habits in your everyday life can also influence how long your veneers last.
Habits such as smoking, drinking excessive amounts of coffee, tea, or red wine, and eating hard or sticky foods can cause your veneers to discolour, chip, or wear down more quickly.
While veneers are designed to resist staining, they are not entirely immune to it, especially if you frequently stain foods and drinks.
Bite and Teeth Grinding
It is also important not to grind or clench your teeth (known as bruxism), as this will seriously shorten the lifespan of the veneers. Grinding pressure can lead to splits or chips in the veneers.
Consult your dentist if you are sensitive to grinding your teeth while sleeping. They will give you a mouth guard to protect your veneers and natural teeth.
Are Veneers Reversible?
Once you commit to getting veneers, it’s essential to understand that the process is generally considered irreversible.
This is because the preparation process involves removing a small amount of enamel from your teeth.
Once the enamel is removed, it cannot be replaced. As a result, you will always need some form of covering for the treated teeth, whether it’s another set of veneers or an alternative restoration.
That being said, the process is relatively straightforward if a veneer becomes damaged or needs to be replaced. Your dentist can remove the old veneer and place a new one, ensuring that your smile continues to look its best.
How to Make the Most of Your Veneers
You’ll want to adopt a few best practices to get the most out of your dental veneers.
Practise Good Oral Hygiene
It’s also important to note that the care of the veneers relies primarily on oral hygiene, hence the need to keep an excellent dental state. Clean your teeth at least two times daily with brushing and flossing. It is also essential to see your dentist occasionally for the well-being of your veneers and your entire mouth.
Avoid Staining Foods and Drinks
Though veneers are less susceptible to stains, it is still prudent not to drink coffee, tea, or red wine or eat dark-coloured food like blueberries and cherries. A warning, though: If you decide to, you better use mouthwash afterwards to wash off the area that would have been stained.
Protect Your Teeth
Wearing a mouthguard if one plays contact sports or involves oneself in activities that affect the face is advisable. This will go a long way in helping you avoid any mishap that may harm them. Similarly, if you grind your teeth at night, a night guard will protect your veneers and natural teeth.
Be Mindful of What You Eat
While your veneers are designed to handle normal chewing, avoiding biting into hard foods like ice, candy, or popcorn kernels is best. These can chip or crack your veneers, leading to costly repairs.
Quit Smoking
Passive and active smoking damages your general well-being and is not suitable for veneers, as it will stain them. Nicotine and tar from cigarettes can cause discolouration and damage, shortening the lifespan of your veneers.
Are Veneers Right for You?
Whether dental veneers are the right choice depends on several factors, including oral health, aesthetic goals, and lifestyle. Veneers might be a great choice if you’re searching for a long-term way to enhance the appearance of your smile.
However, it’s essential to thoroughly consult your dentist to discuss your expectations, potential risks, and the best type of veneers for your needs.
Your Wodonga dentist will assess your oral health and may suggest other treatments if you have tooth decay or periodontal disease that needs to be treated before receiving veneers.
Additionally, they will explain the process in detail so you know exactly what to expect.
Dental Veneers in Wodonga
If you’re considering dental veneers and want to learn more about how they can improve your smile, now is the time to take the next step.
Schedule a consultation with your Wodonga dentist to discuss your alternatives and decide if veneers are the best option.
Prime Care Dental is committed to offering every patient a caring and positive dental experience.
Don’t wait to transform your smile!
Call us at (02) 6024 1516 or make your appointment online.
Visit us at 340 Beechworth Rd in Wodonga.