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Porcelain veneers are one of the most versatile cosmetic dentistry treatments available. They can correct a wide range of aesthetic flaws to deliver the beautiful smile you desire. Porcelain veneers are made of high quality dental porcelain that mimics the characteristics of your natural teeth. They are highly durable and easy to maintain, providing a potentially long lasting restoration.
The exact length of time your porcelain veneers will last depends on how well you care for them. If you maintain a good daily oral hygiene regimen, your veneers can potentially last 10-15 years.
Caring for Porcelain Veneers
The 10-15 year estimate is an average lifespan for porcelain veneers. When properly cared for, your veneers can potentially last 20 years or longer. This should provide you with plenty of incentive to take care of your teeth and gums.
While the dental porcelain used in veneers will not be susceptible to decay, your underlying tooth structure can still become damaged or decayed if you don’t maintain good oral hygiene practices. If this happens, it may damage your veneers.
To ensure your veneers last as long as possible, make sure you:
- Brush twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Floss once a day
- Visit our dentists twice a year for regular checkups and cleanings
This will significantly reduce your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. If you develop gum disease, it may cause your gum tissue to recede, exposing the edge of your veneer. When this happens, you may need to replace your porcelain veneers to restore an attractive appearance.
What Causes Porcelain Veneers to Become Damaged?
Dental porcelain is a very strong material, but it isn’t quite as strong as your natural tooth structure. Therefore, it’s possible for your porcelain veneers to become damaged if they sustain any kind of trauma. This can occur from:
- Grinding your teeth
- Eating sticky foods such as toffee or caramel
- Chewing on hard candy or ice
- Biting your nails
- Using your teeth to open packages, bottles or other items
These actions can cause your veneers to chip or crack. In extreme situations, porcelain veneers can even fall off due to repeated trauma or excessive force. Therefore, it’s crucial that you avoid these actions in order to make sure your veneers last as long as possible.
What to Do if Your Porcelain Veneers Become Damaged
If your porcelain veneers become damaged or fall off, you should visit our dentists at once so that we can replace them for you. Don’t attempt to glue them back on yourself. It’s important that these repairs are handled by a skilled and experienced cosmetic dentist who uses the proper bonding materials to ensure excellent results.
Contact our Las Vegas Cosmetic Dentists
If you’re interested in finding out whether porcelain veneers are right for you, please contact Drs. Chin & Pharar Dentistry using the form on this page or call 702-445-7075 today to schedule a consultation. We serve patients in Las Vegas, Henderson and the surrounding areas of Nevada.