You just invested in the smile of your dreams by getting dental veneers. Now how do you care for them in order to ensure they last as long as possible? At Country Club Dental Flagstaff, we use porcelain when constructing your cosmetic veneers. Not only does this material respond better to gum tissue, but it also lasts longer than composite veneers.
How long do dental veneers last?
Once veneers are cemented on and any anesthesia from the procedure wears off, you should be able to eat and chew as you normally would. The routine process of chewing and grinding food will have minimal impact on porcelain veneers. With proper care, your new veneers will brighten your smile for well over a decade.
What can I do to make my veneers last longer?
When bonded to the teeth, the ultra-thin porcelain veneers are virtually undetectable and highly resistant to coffee, tea, or even cigarette stains. In terms of strength and appearance, their resemblance to healthy, white tooth enamel is unsurpassed by other restorative options. If you want to get the most mileage out of your veneers, we do have a few tips.
Don’t chew on hard objects. Objects like ice, hard candies, pen caps, and even your fingernails can chip and break your veneers.
Refrain from using your veneers as a tool. Using your teeth to open and cut things will erode and chip both natural enamel as well as cosmetic veneers.
Address teeth grinding. If you grind your teeth in your sleep (bruxism), you’ll want to get fitted for a mouthguard by your local dentist.
Maintain good oral hygiene. Brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled brush and flossing at least once will keep your oral cavity healthy and help cosmetic and restorative dental work last longer. Biannual cleanings will also keep your smile bright and help us keep an eye on your dental health.
Are there treatment options for chipped or broken veneers?
Although porcelain veneers are highly durable and will last 10-15 years, you may find yourself in need of repairing one or more veneers. If accidental breakage or damage occurs, it is usually possible to replace only the veneer involved. It’s best to address any chipping or damage immediately in order to mitigate further damage.
Do you want to brighten up your smile in Flagstaff?
Cosmetic dentistry with Country Club Dental Flagstaff can help you achieve a smile you’ll be proud to flash. Why wait another day? Placing custom veneers that will last a long time requires a high degree of technical skill as well as attention to cosmetic detail. We place veneers routinely and work with each case individually to match and enhance the characteristics of your unique smile. Call us today to ask about financing options and to schedule an appointment.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (12/2/24). Photo by lucas Favre on Unsplash
