Veneers are artificial shells placed over natural teeth to conceal damage, such as discoloration or chips. Patients often invest in this type of dental restoration to create whole, even smiles that foster self-confidence. When considering any treatments to improve a smile, many patients want solutions that last. For many patients, veneers can offer a long-lasting solution. With proper care, replacements may not be needed for years to come.
No one wants to make frequent visits to the dental office for repairs to previous restorations. Fortunately, one advantage to veneers is durability and longevity. When made of porcelain, these tough, artificial coverings can last 10 years, with some surviving even longer thanks to good oral hygiene practices. When patients do eventually need new shells, the replacement process is relatively simple and quick, creating an overall easy dental experience. Here are some tips on maintenance that can increase resilience.
Oral hygiene is important for natural teeth, gums, and any artificial restorations. By brushing twice per day, patients decrease their chances of getting gum disease and destroying veneers. Flossing at least once a day makes those odds even better, and patients do not need to worry about damaging the shells by executing these daily routines. Mouthwash can also help eliminate bacteria that may get beneath the shells and start to deteriorate a patient’s natural teeth.
Once permanent veneers have been bonded to a patient’s teeth, certain foods are good to avoid to prevent accidental damage. While porcelain is stain resistant, some discoloration may happen with consuming dark and red liquids, so patients should consider reducing the amount of coffee, red wine, black tea, dark sodas, and tomato-based sauces in diets. Eating hard or crunchy foods can risk breaking or chipping restorations. Alcohol consumption should be decreased as alcohol can cause separation of the shells from the teeth by impacting the adhesives used to bond one to the other.
When it comes to durability, the material used also matters. There are advantages and disadvantages to the two main materials used to create shells — composite resin and porcelain — but the decision on which to get depends on individual needs. Here is how the material can affect the longevity of restorations.
Composite restorations have been shown to last approximately five years, with some exceptions surviving a few years more. This material is more susceptible to damage than porcelain, but it is quicker and easy to apply. Composite shells can be made in the office during the same visit that a patient is prepared for treatment.
The more popular choice, porcelain is the decade-lasting material. It looks more realistic and natural than composite and is incredibly sturdy, making it harder to break. However, porcelain takes two separate visits to apply and is permanent, meaning a patient cannot decide to have the process reversed in the future.
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Veneers are a great choice for patients with minor tooth damage. If you are thinking about treatment, talk to a dentist to discover the right material for a new smile.
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