How Long Do Veneers Last?
If you are thinking about the way your teeth’s appearance is leaving a lot to be desired, you may have considered dental veneers in Turkey as a solution to your problems. These shells that get attached to the front of your teeth, have an effect that’s not as thin as they are. They can fix gaps, stains, and chips giving your smile a huge upgrade. Fair to say that these little things are a miracle in the dental world.
As with all miracles, people might be hesitant to believe them. some of the many questions people have are how long do dental veneers last? Are veneers permanent? How long can I rock this beautiful smile before I start worrying again?
Well, according to the American Dental Association, the average life-span of dental veneers is around 10 years. This number can get higher providing that you care for them properly. Veneers face the possibility that they may become loose and fall out. The good news is if you are choosing an experienced dentist, who uses the right technique and materials, you will not have to worry about veneers falling out too quickly.
To help you understand veneers better before going ahead, here’s a short guide on this advanced technique and how you can ensure you have long-lasting results after the treatment.
What are veneers made from?
Dental veneers are thin shells that are designed to look like real teeth. To get the desired effect and look, porcelain is usually the material to go for. This is because it’s an easy to work with material, that can bond perfectly to your existing teeth, and will not stain easily from normal use. This is great news for those who enjoy red wine or regular coffee and who may be concerned about their teeth getting stained over time.
Whilst porcelain is by far the most popular, you may want to consider other materials as well. Composite veneers are made from a composite resin and are a cheaper option than porcelain. Laminated veneers are similar to Lumineers, which are the slimmest alternative to porcelain. Laminated veneers are generally best for those with non-severe teeth issues and are a lightweight option compared to porcelain.
Your dentist can help you decide on the best option if you are unsure of your suitability for certain types of veneers.
How long are veneers expected to last?
Looking after your new veneers by routinely visiting your dentist, and having a good dental hygiene routine, can make your veneers last a long time. On average like we mentioned above, you can expect to see 10 years at least, sometimes longer. One of the biggest factors that determine the longevity of your dental veneers is ensuring your gums stay healthy. While you have replaced your natural teeth with veneers, your natural gums are still there in the background, meaning that they can still be impacted by infections or gum problems if they are not looked after. You should continue to visit your dentist regularly so that they can ensure everything in the best condition
How do I look after my new veneers?
There are various tips on how to ensure you have long-lasting veneers, with most coming back to oral hygiene and mouth protection.
Dental hygiene
As a minimum, you should be brushing your teeth twice a day in the morning and evening to be able to remove any build-up of food and drinks. This is the same for regular teeth as well as veneers since bacteria can still cause an issue to your gums, potentially shortening the lifespan of your veneers.
Wearing teeth protection
Just like regular teeth, they can be susceptible to damage if suffering an impact such as from playing contact sports or falling over. Wearing a mouthguard can help in this instance if playing sports to soften the impact.
Avoid biting hard surfaces
If you do not play contact sports, you can still damage your veneers if using your teeth incorrectly. An example of this is using your teeth and mouth to hold heavy objects or opening things rather than using your hands. This can unnecessarily damage your veneers so it should be avoided.
If you enjoy certain foods that are particularly hard to bite and crunch, this can be a potential issue for your veneers if care isn’t taken. Boiled sweets or nuts, or anything that involves more strain on your teeth when biting should ideally be avoided.
Grinding
Similarly, if you are someone that grinds their teeth, especially when asleep, you should look to wear mouth protection at night to avoid accidentally damaging them.
What should I do if they fall out or chip?
If you do find that your veneers have became damaged, or you have noticed an issue with your gums or general oral hygiene, visiting your dentist as soon as possible is recommended. The sooner you can address the issue, the quicker this can be resolved. If it is chipped or completely detached, a new veneer can be fitted to replace it. Of course, the more damage you have, the more it will cost to replace. Doing everything you can to look after your dental veneers will ensure you will not need to replace them in the future.
How long do veneers last will be determined by not just how you look after them, but also how they were fitted to begin with. When using a trusted and expert cosmetic dentist like Vera Smile, you can ensure your teeth will be fully assessed for suitability and only fitted if we can provide the results you are looking for. To find out more, book a consultation today.