There are two main reasons that patients choose luscious, long-lasting cosmetic veneer treatments over their less expensive counterparts. The first is aesthetic appeal. A beautiful smile can boost your self-confidence and help you feel better about yourself.
The second is durability. Since most dental veneers are made of ceramic or composite materials, they will need to be rehomed eventually.
However, the average length of time that a new dental veneer will last depends mostly on how well you take care of it. If you don’t, then it may fail due to one of the following three factors: exposure to acid, bacterial growth, or fatigue.
Acid exposure occurs when saliva erodes the adhesive used to hold the veneer in place. This can happen if you forget to brush after cleaning your teeth, use an alcohol-based mouthwash, or eat foods with high acidic content.
Bacterial growth happens when bacteria present in your oral cavity feed on the exposed surface area of the veneer. When enough bacteria have colonized the film, it becomes thick and sticky, which makes it more difficult to remove.
Fatigue can occur when you talk, chew, or otherwise stress the bonded area of the tooth and/or veneer. Over time this repeated action can weaken the attachment until finally it comes loose.
What are the factors that affect veneer durability?
One of the most important things to consider when determining how long your new tooth will last is whether or not you can place additional stressors on it.
If you are very careful with your oral hygiene, exercise regularly, and eat well, then there is no need to worry about your teeth lasting as long as possible. On the other hand, people who smoke, drink alcohol frequently, and use poor quality foods may have to be concerned about their dental health staying consistent for longer periods of time.
Bacteria and growth in your mouth can develop cementum (the material that covers the roots of your teeth) which helps keep your teeth strong. If too much bacterial activity occurs, however, the body doesn’t get this reinforcement, and your strength may be compromised eventually.
It is also important to remember that although cosmetic porcelain laminates and dentin do indeed strengthen your teeth, they can still decay and hurt your overall wellness. Your dentist should always emphasize the importance of good oral hygiene as an integral part of having healthy teeth.
How long will my veneers last?
A very important question to ask is how long your natural looking teeth will look like before they are over done! This is not referring to whether or not people can tell you have them, but instead if you add too much plastic coverage, it may cause your tooth to fracture down due to stress.
Teeth that are heavily covered with fake nails or false laminates may also weaken the enamel of the tooth which could lead to dental erosion. Dental erosion happens when the protective layer of the tooth is removed by acid such as tea, coffee, nicotine, alcohol, chemicals, etc.
If this occurs frequently enough, the enamel can be completely lost, exposing the softer tissue underneath. It is very difficult to restore this area so most patients need to have these covers replaced at that time! Sometimes there are alternatives such as porcelain laminate facials or crowns that can be used to cover the veneer until the patient is able to afford better treatments later.
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Some tips for maintaining your veneers
It is important to be careful with how you take care of your teeth while wearing veneers. You want to make sure that you do not scratch or damage the surface area of the tooth or the veneer.
Drinking too much alcohol can actually cause the enamel to come off, so keep an eye out for signs if you notice anything changing around your mouth.
Using strong chemicals such as bleach or ammonia will potentially weaken the bond between the porcelain and the underlying bone, which could result in loss of the veneer.
Finding the right dentist for veneers
A recent study determined that one of the most important factors in determining how long your new smile will last is the length of time your current dentist practices orthodontics (braces).
Most dentists who do braces also perform cosmetic or aesthetic procedures, such as tooth-colored fillings and/or crowns or dental laminates or porcelain veneers.
Some doctors only focus on doing one type of procedure at a time, which can make it hard to find someone who does all three!
Luckily, there are some excellent online resources available where you can search for both basic dental services and oral surgery. You should compare several providers before finding the best fit for you.
General dentistry websites like Healthgrades and Yelp have good reviews and information about different clinics. Make sure to look into their qualifications, test out a few treatments for yourself, and determine if they match up with yours – this will help ensure you get the best care.
Important points to remember when looking for a dentist for cosmetic work
Here are more details about why making sure your dentist is right for you by reading more about potential candidates here. And now, let’s talk about what makes a great candidate for professional cosmetic treatments like veneers.
Care and cleaning to keep your veneers healthy
One of the biggest worries patients have is how long their new smile will last. Due to the nature of dental laminates, or natural looking teeth coverings, this can be a little bit tricky.
Teeth that are professionally done will use either resin or porcelain as the main material. Resins are typically more durable than ceramic materials, but they cannot withstand strong acids such as coffee or vinegar. This could potentially damage or even wear away the layer of coverage!
Porcelains are much stronger than resins, but they can become stained or chipped easily. These may need to be re-hued or re-glazed which would not affect how you feel about your new smile.
Overall, both types of laminations are very durable and will give you many years of beautiful smiles.
Tips for choosing the right shade of veneers
Choosing your final color is an important process that cannot be overlooked!
When seeking professional help to place dental laminates or veneers, you will usually get trained professionals that are well versed in cosmetic dentistry. These experts can tell you how long each individual layer takes to set and come off, but they never say it with certainty.
They will typically give you an estimate as to when it could take place, but there are no guarantees.
Ask your dentist to show you before and after photos
There is no standard length for how long veneer treatments will last, but asking your dentist about past patients’ experiences can give you an idea of what to expect.
Your dentist may also be able to refer to recent studies or reports in medical journals to determine how much time each layer of luscious white tissue will protect your natural teeth.
However, individual dental practices and doctors vary widely in their reporting standards so it is best to ask around to find out what lengths they go to ensure a beautiful look that lasts.
Dr. Anand Prakash currently works as a General Dentist at Waters End Dental Practice in Brighton, East Sussex. He has a special interest in cosmetic dentistry and smile makeovers.
Consider porcelain veneers
Porcelains are a popular, strong cosmetic material option that can be used to fix or alter your smile. Like natural ivory or white teeth, they are characterized by their color and patterned surface.
Porcelain is a mineral which gives it strength and durability. It was first produced in the 1800s and has since become one of the most common esthetic dental materials.
Because they have a durable layer of enamel, porcelain veneers will last longer than normal dentistry treatments like crowns or fillings. This means you won’t need to worry about them wearing out as quickly.
However, just because something is more expensive doesn’t always mean it lasts better. It really depends on how well you take care of your tooth!
If you feel that a particular treatment plan is not quite enough for you, then go with something less expensive but more lasting. Or, if you want a new look but don’t want to invest too much money at once, try doing some simple things to improve your own oral health and apply twice a week for a few months until you get the perfect result.