Caring for Your Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers can help to create a flawless smile. And while they are extremely durable, they are not guaranteed for life. Veneers require maintenance over the course of time, and just like natural teeth, they can become damaged if not taken care of properly. In fact, just like a car, porcelain veneers need to be repaired over time to ensure your flawless smile remains intact. If repairs are not made regularly, patients could need a full replacement.
Dr. Timothy M. Kelly, a leading cosmetic dentist in Albuquerque, has been placing porcelain veneers for over 20 years. He advocates that the best way to make sure your perfect smile lasts a long time is good oral hygiene and keeping up with maintenance.
How Long Do Veneers Last?
Porcelain veneers do not last a lifetime. However, they can last for a long time if taken care of properly. Typically, porcelain veneers last from 10 to 20 years depending eating habits and oral hygiene. With proper aftercare and maintenance, patients can actually increase the lifespan of their veneers.
Tips to Preserve Porcelain Veneers
Patients that want to keep their new teeth looking shiny and new should follow a few guidelines. Below are some tips that will help patients avoid having to replace their veneers sooner than they should have to.
Here are six tips for caring for your porcelain veneers:
- Brush teeth at least twice a day and always remember to floss. Use a soft bristled brush and non-abrasive toothpaste. This will help patients prevent gum disease and tooth decay, which is essential to the lifespan of your veneers.
- Do not use whitening products including bleaching strips, trays, or whitening toothpaste, as these prove ineffective on veneers and may discolor the surface of the teeth.
- Do not miss routine check ups with your dentist.
- Limit the use of tobacco products and try to reduce smoking habits.
- Reduce consumption of dark or sugary beverages like soda, tea, coffee, and red wine. These substances can stain your teeth and wear down natural enamel.
- Be careful when eating hard or crunchy foods like apples, corn, or pretzels.
Replacement
Patients can decide to replace their porcelain veneers at any time, but usually need to be replaced after 15 to 20 years. While some patients may want to change the color of their veneers and go for a brighter, whiter smile, others may have to replace them due to an accident or fractures.
If patients are experiencing extreme discoloration, this may be a sign that their veneers need to be replaced. Porcelain usually does not change color. Any dullness or staining can usually be buffed out with a professional polish. However, if the bonding cement begins to change color, or the actual tooth suffers from decay, the veneers have to be replaced.
Dr. Timothy Kelly is one of the leading cosmetic dentists in the Albuquerque area. He and his team are dedicated to giving you the dazzling smile you’ve always wanted with porcelain veneer replacement. If you wish to schedule a consultation or learn more about porcelain veneers lifespan or aftercare, please contact the office today.