They say, “Nothing lasts forever,” and this seems to be true — even with dental veneers! These porcelain materials look like natural teeth, yet they do not last quite as long. On an average, veneers generally last for at least 10 years, depending on how you care for them.
Here’s a few tips to help extend the lifespan of your dental veneers:
- Continue good oral care at home.
Tooth decay hurts both your natural teeth and veneers, and neglecting your oral hygiene accelerate the deterioration. Gum disease, which is a serious complication of tooth decay, can also greatly affect your veneers. Prevent tooth decay from happening by brushing and flossing twice a day, just as you normally would. We’ll recommend the right toothbrush and fluoride-infused toothpaste to use to help you get started with your veneer care.
- Avoid battering your teeth.
Porcelain veneers may be durable, but they are not strong enough to overcome extreme forces. You’ll want to think twice about biting your fingernails! Other activities that could affect your veneers are things like crunching ice, and even tearing on chip bags open with your teeth. Be careful when biting into hard foods such as candy and raw carrots as well. And don’t forget a mouthguard when engaging in sports activities!
- Avoid tooth-staining substances.
While porcelain veneers are able to resist typical food staining, the cement that bonds them to the teeth is made of plastic, which could discolor when exposed to staining substances. When this happens, the natural appearance of veneers can be spoiled, as its edge may become visible. In addition in maintaining proper hygiene, you should also reduce exposure to staining agents like cola, coffee, red wine, tea, and tobacco products. If you’re a smoker, quitting could be the single most important thing you could do to reduce staining while improving your oral hygiene and overall health. We believe you can do it!
Nothing may last forever, but dental veneers can last for many years. Start enjoying a better smile today by giving Galleria Dental Aesthetics a call to schedule a consultation. (703) 957-7069