Dental veneers are tooth-coloured shells fastened to the surface of your teeth to help improve appearance, and make your smile a little brighter. Veneers are used to treat various dental concerns, like discolouration, broken or chipped teeth.
Veneers are appealing because of their close appearance to natural teeth, and the effortless installation procedure.
If you’re considering dental veneers, you may wonder about their durability.
At Shawnessy Dental Centre, we think it’s essential to look closely at your options before making choices about cosmetic dentistry, but we can assure you that your smile is worth the investment.
Are Veneers the Best Choice for My Smile?
Veneers are not the best choice for every patient. Veneers may not work for your smile if:
- Your tooth is decayed
- You have gum disease
- Your tooth has thin enamel
- You’re missing a large portion of your tooth
- Your grind your teeth
- You clench your teeth
Speak to your dentist about veneers; they can perform a dental exam to determine if you’re a candidate for the procedure. If not, your dentist can suggest other options like dental crowns, bridges, or implants.
The Magic of Dental Veneers
Veneers help improve the appearance of your smile by making it brighter and making your teeth appear more even. Dental veneers can treat the following cosmetic issues:
- Chipped teeth
- Broken teeth
- Discoloured teeth
- Small teeth
- Misshapen teeth
Veneers are typically made from 2 materials: Porcelain or resin-composite.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are caps that are placed over each tooth. Veneers made from porcelain appear very similar to your natural teeth, extremely stain resistant, and sturdy.
Composite-Resin Veneers
Composite-resin veneers are created from tooth-coloured material, then bonded to the tooth. These types of veneers are not as sturdy as their porcelain counterparts, but they are priced lower, and very easily repaired.
If you are a patient with sensitive teeth, you may benefit from composite-resin veneers, which require less enamel when placed on the tooth.
The short recovery process is an attractive bonus for dental veneers. Life will proceed as usual once your dentist has cemented them in place, and you are no longer affected by the anesthetic. You’ll be able to eat and chew immediately!
How Long Will My Veneers Last?
Several factors may affect the longevity of your dental veneers, including the type of veneer you choose. However, with proper care, your veneers and happier smile could last for more than a decade.
Here are a few factors that could affect the lifespan of your veneers:
- The condition of your teeth before the procedure: Veneers will last longer if the original teeth are in good condition.
- The material of your veneers: Porcelain veneers are more expensive than composite-resin veneers, but they have a longer lifespan.
- Your oral hygiene: Caring for your teeth is crucial. Remember to brush at least twice daily, floss, and keep up with regular dental check-ups.
- Grinding your teeth: Grinding teeth can affect the longevity of your veneers. Speak to your dentist about a night guard to help protect your smile.
- Bad dental habits: Frequently chewing hard items like candy and ice, and using your teeth to open packages can affect how long your veneers will last.
- Contact sports: Remember to wear a mouthguard to protect your veneers from chipping.
Increase the Lifespan of Your Veneers
If you’re interested in ensuring your veneers last as long as possible, consider the following tips from your friends at Shawnessy Dental Centre:
- Maintain proper dental hygiene: Make sure you brush and floss at least twice daily to ensure optimal oral health.
- Avoid chewing on hard objects: Objects like ice, hard candies, nuts, pens, and your fingernails can chip or damage your veneers.
- Be conscious of chewing: Avoid chewing hard foods with your front teeth; attempt to chew these foods on your back teeth.
- Protect your teeth: If you grind your teeth at night, make an appointment with your dentist to discuss a night guard, or purchase a mouthguard if you’re playing contact sports.
- Practice good dental habits: Don’t use your teeth to open packages or hold items in your mouth.
- Keep up with regular dental check-ups: During your check-up, the dentist can inspect your veneers for damage, stains, or sealing issues, and be watchful for cavities forming underneath.
A Decade of Happy Smiles
With proper care and maintenance, your dental veneers can last between 10 and 15 years. Your lifestyle and type of veneers significantly affect their longevity, and are essential factors when considering this type of cosmetic dentistry.
When considering dental veneers, consider all the factors, including cost, lifespan, your overall oral health, and decide with your dentist what procedure will work best with your smile.
If you have additional questions about veneers or would like to book an appointment to discuss your options, contact the experienced and friendly team at Shawnessy Dental Centre.
We love making our patient’s smiles bigger and brighter!
