When properly cared for, dental veneers can last for up to 15 years or more. This is a fantastic lifespan, but it can be difficult to know when it’s a good idea to get a new set. Maybe you’ve had your veneers for well over 15 years now, or maybe you haven’t been taking the best care of them. Either way, it’s helpful to know what signs to watch out for. Keep reading so you can know when it’s time for replacements.
Your Veneers Are Discolored
True, dental veneers are stain-resistant. Few materials in this world are truly stain-immune, however. Frequent interaction with strong pigments found in tannin-rich foods like berries, tomatoes, and coffee can cause yellowing, especially if you don’t brush twice a day. If your veneers are worn down, that can add to the problem because stains will have an easier time settling into the material. Since veneers can’t be whitened, it’s best to replace them.
They Have Chips or Cracks
Physical damage doesn’t just look unappealing – it can be dangerous for your teeth and gums! Jagged fragments can turn your veneers into pokey problems, and splits can expose the more sensitive layers of your teeth to bacteria and debris. You should visit your dentist as soon as possible to protect your oral health.
Everyday Wear Has Taken Its Toll
Do your veneers look misshapen or small? It could be that wear and tear has slowly broken them down. This is fairly normal, so there’s no need to be overly concerned. However, using your teeth as tools to open bottles or packages will wear them out faster, so avoid this and other high-pressure habits like nail-biting if that’s your tendency.
The Tooth-to-Gum Ratio Isn’t Ideal
Gums aren’t in your mouth just to look pretty, you know! They support your teeth by helping to hold them in place. This is why gum disease can be a nightmare; give it enough time without treatment and it will thin out your gumline.
When that happens, teeth can grow more and more loose until they fall out completely, meaning your veneers will go with them. In this situation, you should visit your dentist and treat your gums so they can support a new set of veneers.
You Suspect There’s Dental Decay
Similarly, bacteria will eat away at your teeth if you let it grow out of control. Bacteria doesn’t target inorganic material like the porcelain your veneers are made out of, but weak teeth make for weak cosmetic supports. Once again, it’s in your best interest to take care of any dental decay first, then arrange your veneer replacement.
Overall, the best thing you can do to determine how your dental veneers are holding up is see your dentist. They’ll not only investigate your cosmetics, but also your oral health. If gum disease or dental decay is threatening the safety of your veneers, they’ll let you know and help you with next-step arrangements. Otherwise, they’ll get you ready for a replacement set of veneers, and your smile will look as good as new!
About the Practice
Our friendly team of dentists at Lux Smiles are passionate about cosmetic dentistry, and would be happy to lend their expertise to help you with your dental veneers. Whether you need replacements, assistance with your oral health, or are good to go, you can be confident that they’ll take care of your needs. To contact our office, call 212-777-7126.