Dental veneers refer to thin shells that get applied to your teeth’s front to make them appear undamaged and even. They hide your teeth’ imperfections and enhances your smile. Among the essential things you should consider before applying veneers is the duration they will last. Here we will look at how long veneers last and things that can affect their lifespan.
Various Types of Dental Veneers and How Long They Last
When you decide to have veneers, it is advisable to consult with your dentist about the best option for you. Here are the different types of veneers that they might recommend and offer.
Porcelain Veneers
The most common material used for veneers is porcelain. This material is translucent and thin, and it produces real results. Porcelain veneers last for around 10 years; however, they last longer with the correct maintenance. For instance, there are individuals whose porcelain veneers still look amazing even after 20 years. How long your porcelain veneers will last will depend on how you take care of your teeth after the placement.
For instance, if your underlying natural teeth begin to decay because of poor oral hygiene, this affects the appearance of your veneers severely. Veneers can appear stained if you regularly expose them to beverages and foods such as tea, coffee, dark-colored berries, or wine. Even though the porcelain is strong, it has its limits. For example, if you chew a piece of ice, there is a chance the veneer will break. It is good to avoid chewing hard things.
Composite Veneers
Composite veneers can be direct or indirect. Direct composite veneers refer to veneers made using a composite resin, which the dentist applies directly to your teeth. The doctor does not take long to prepare the teeth for composite veneers application, and the process is minimally invasive. On the other hand, veneers for indirect composite veneers are custom made. Before the making of the indirect veneers, the doctor will place temporary veneers on your teeth. Indirect porcelain veneers tend to resist fractures and withstand abrasions than the direct porcelain veneers. The composite veneers can last for between four to eight years. Composite is strong but not as durable as porcelain veneers, and chances of chipping are high. The cost of veneers in North Hollywood varies per tooth.
No-Prep Veneers
No-prep veneers refer to veneers that do not need a lot of preparation work before installation. They can enhance your teeth’ appearance as they save the teeth enamel. The process for installation is less invasive, and it takes minimal time. Vivaneers, Lumineers, and DURAthin veneers are some popular brands. The no-prep veneers may last for around 10 to 20 years.
Who is the Perfect Candidate for Dental Veneers?
Have you had a smile that makes you frown whenever you look into the mirror? Are you wondering whether veneers will sort out your problem?
Veneers are not the perfect solution for severely damaged teeth. For such serious situations, crowns are the best option. You may go for veneers if your teeth are discolored, chipped, fractured, and undersized. You might also require to hear from your dentist whether dental insurance covers veneers. Supposing you are getting dental veneers for cosmetic treatment, the insurance will not cover any amount.
Discuss with your dentist which is the best choice for you based on your budget and the kind of look you aim to achieve. Ask them if there is a digital image that can show your look with veneers.
Between Crowns and Veneers, Which One Lasts Longer
The state of your mind may make you wonder what the benefits of dental veneers versus crowns are. One major factor to consider is which one lasts longer. There exist various kinds of crowns, but their function is to cap a damaged tooth. Crowns can cover the entire tooth or most part, and it’s made from several substances. These substances include metal, porcelain, composite resin, and a mixture of materials.
Crowns are thicker compared to veneers. Because they cover most parts of your tooth, fewer parts get exposed to decay. On the other hand, veneers cover your teeth’ front, and most of the time, they are applied to the eight front teeth. A crown’s lifespan may vary. Based on the material used by the dentist, veneers may last for several years.
What Affects Veneers Lifespan
Several factors can affect your veneers’ lifespan. Discussed below are some of these factors.
• The state of the teeth before installation may affect their lifespan. For instance, if your teeth were severely damaged, veneers might not last long. The material used to create the veneers. No-prep and porcelain veneers may last longer compared to composite veneers. But the two options are more costly, so you should weigh the expected lifespan against the cost.
• Dental hygiene also matters when it comes to the lifespan of veneers. Brushing twice a day and flossing at least once is crucial since it lengthens the life of your veneers. It is also vital to have cleanings and checkups after six months.
• It is advisable to wear a mouthguard if you participate in contact sports. This will protect the veneers from breaking or chipping.
• Tooth grinding may also reduce the lifespan of your teeth. Teeth grinding exerts a lot of pressure on the veneers. If you know you have an issue with teeth grinding at night, be sure to put on a mouthguard before you sleep. This will protect your veneers from breaking.
• Using the teeth as a tool may also reduce its lifespan. Avoid using your teeth to open objects that are hard to open using hands and other tools.
• Be cautious when eating hard foods. If possible, avoid hard foods such as ice, candies, or nuts.
How to Make Your Veneers Last Longer
Here are the ways you can use to make the veneers last longer.
Proper Dental Hygiene
To avoid stains and keep your teeth healthy, you must clean your mouth regularly. To get rid of plaque and food debris that can result in tooth decay and gum disease, brush the teeth two times a day. Even though the veneers cannot decay, it is vital to know that the tooth can decay from behind your veneer. If this happens, your tooth’s long-term health gets threatened, and the veneers’ lifespan is shortened. Also, ensure that you floss every day.
Brush With the Right Toothpaste
It is important to brush; however, the type of toothpaste you brush with makes a huge difference. Kinds of toothpaste that have whitening ingredients and are abrasive may damage your veneers. It is important to go for non-abrasive kinds of toothpaste. Other kinds of toothpaste are specifically made for individuals with esthetic dental work.
Brush With the Ideal Toothbrush
The toothbrush is as important as the toothpaste. Stiff and hard bristles toothbrush may wear your porcelain veneers and tooth structure. It is advisable to use a toothbrush with soft bristles. Also, ensure you are gentle but thorough when brushing the teeth.
Avoid Wrong Usage of Teeth and Bad Habits
Cutting your nails with your teeth, smoking, cutting ice cubes, and chewing straws may damage your teeth and chip the veneers. To ensure proper oral health and lengthen your veneers’ lifespan avoid such habits.
Choose Your Diet Carefully
What you eat affects the lifespan of your veneers. To lengthen the life of your veneers, avoid drinks such as coffee, soft drinks, coffee, red wine, and other types of drinks and food that stains your teeth. If it’s possible, bypass the teeth using a straw.
Wear Head or Face Protection and Mouth Guard
In case you do participate in play contact sports, wearing a mouth guard will make a big difference. If you have any face mask or helmet, it is good to put it on.
Address the Issue of Teeth Grinding
In case you have a teeth-grinding problem, it is important to discuss the issue with the dentist before application of the veneers. They may suggest a custom-made mouthguard that will protect your teeth and increase the lifespan.
When to Replace Veneers
Your veneers may need replacement when they wear out. The dentist removes the enamel from the natural teeth at the installation time, so the veneers are properly attached to every tooth. The veneer replaces the tooth enamel, so you do not have the choice of removing them permanently.
Veneers replacement undergoes a similar process as the first installation. The doctor files away the bonding agent, and a new mold of the teeth is taken. They then create a fresh veneer and apply it to your teeth. This leaves you with an attractive smile and heightened confidence.
Choose a Dentist You Trust
Depending on the veneer and your lifestyle, the veneers can last between 10 to 20 years. When choosing the kind of veneers that are good for you, you must weigh some factors, including veneers cost in North Hollywood, expected lifespan, and the appearance you hope to achieve.
One way to make sure the veneers last longer is by having an experienced and knowledgeable dentist you can trust. At Victory Plaza Dental Group, North Hollywood, we take good care of our patients to make sure they love their new smile. By getting dental veneers, you are investing in yourself. So, ensure they are properly installed. To schedule a consultation appointment with Victory Plaza Dental Group, North Hollywood, contact us today.