Porcelain veneers are thin shells of dental-grade porcelain that are placed over a tooth to conceal flaws and produce a more attractive smile. Veneers are very durable and last a decade or more, with the right care.
Although you should get years of good use out of your veneers, they are not designed to last forever. The team at Fort Bend Dental in Missouri City, TX reviews the reasons why you may need porcelain veneer replacement.
How to Extend the Lifetime of a Veneer
Porcelain veneers have a lifespan of approximately 10 to 15 years. Over time, daily chewing and wear and tear will weaken the porcelain or the dental cement.
Patients can maximize the lifetime of their veneers by following these basic steps:
- Be consistent with your daily oral hygiene routine, including brushing at least twice a day and flossing at least once daily.
- Keep up with your professional dental cleanings and exams, attending these appointments at least twice a year.
- Refrain from biting on non-food objects, like pens and fingernails, since this can damage the porcelain.
- Wear a night guard if you grind your teeth, since this habit can damage porcelain.
Veneer Removal for Dental Decay
Although the tooth beneath a veneer is protected, it can still become decayed. When this happens, the veneer usually needs to be removed so that the tooth can be treated. Following treatment, another veneer will be placed over the tooth, or a dental crown may be required if the decay was extensive.
Replacing a Loose Porcelain Veneer
Sometimes a veneer becomes loose, typically when there is a breakdown in the bonding material between the tooth and the veneer. Patients should reach out to their dentist right away if the veneer feels loose. Do not try and fix the problem on your own. While the same veneer may be used in select instances, you may need to replace the loosened veneer.
Swapping Out a Damaged Porcelain Veneer
The porcelain used to make veneers is extremely durable, designed to withstand strong bite pressure over time. Still, the porcelain can chip or crack if you chew on hard objects, especially non-food items. Other times, the veneer can become damaged due to a facial trauma during an accident, like a car crash or athletic injury.
Teeth Discoloration and Porcelain Veneers
Another reason why patients may need a veneer replaced is when there is a difference between the color of the veneer and the surrounding natural teeth. In most cases, the natural teeth become stained or discolored and are darker compared to the porcelain, which is resistant to staining.
In these cases, patients can whiten their teeth to match the shade of the porcelain veneers. If the teeth are brighter than the veneers after teeth whitening treatment, then the veneers may be replaced to match the brighter natural enamel.
Contact Us to Learn More
One of the dentists at Fort Bend Dental can inspect your veneer to ensure its integrity, and replace it if needed. Contact us online, or call us our Missouri City office at (281) 336-9899 or our Richmond office at (281) 336-9971.
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