When Do Dental Veneers Need to Be Replaced?

when-do-dental-veneers-need-to-be-replaced

Well-designed and properly maintained porcelain veneers that have been bonded securely to healthy teeth will project the profile of a perfect tooth for a decade or more. But they don’t last forever. 

What might trigger the need to replace veneers?

Because porcelain doesn’t stain as easily as enamel — especially if you brush frequently and effectively and avoid smoking — stains and discolouration don’t usually trigger any need to replace porcelain veneers. Because porcelain doesn’t react to sugar and acids in the same way as enamel, veneers themselves aren’t vulnerable to tooth decay. Your veneers won’t develop cavities that will require that they be removed. There are four reasons, though, that might require a dentist in Kelowna to remove and replace your veneers:

  • If your veneers become chipped or cracked by, for example, grinding your teeth, biting your fingernails, chewing hard objects, or using your teeth as if they were tools
  • If you develop periodontal disease (gum disease in the form of gingivitis or periodontitis) that can cause your gums to recede far enough to show a gap between the edge of your gums and the edge of your veneer
  • If the tooth under your veneer falls victim to tooth decay that causes or allows the veneer to separate or work loose from the tooth
  • If your tooth was not properly prepared to receive the veneer or if the bonding was inadequate or ineffective

It’s important to keep in mind when considering removing veneers, that those veneers will have to be replaced with something. In most cases, placing those veneers required the removal of some enamel from the surface of your tooth. If the veneer is removed, you won’t be able to leave that prepared tooth unprotected. You’ll need to cover the tooth again with a veneer or crown. (If you were fit with prepless veneers that don’t require any enamel to be removed — or much less enamel — this may be less significant an issue.) This is an issue to discuss with a cosmetic dentist in Kelowna either before you get veneers in the first place or as you consider replacing any damaged veneers. 

How to preserve the lifespan of your porcelain veneers in Kelowna

There are some simple things that you can do to extend the life of veneers (assuming the underlying tooth was prepared properly and the veneer itself was bonded to that tooth effectively). Here are six tips for preserving and extending the lifespan of dental veneers:

  • Brush your teeth at least twice daily and floss at least once daily
  • Don’t smoke. Smoking can discolour your stain-resistant (not stain-proof) veneers and increase the risk of gum disease.
  • Avoid foods and beverages that can stain your stain-resistant (not stain-proof) veneers, or brush your teeth thoroughly whenever you consume red wine, coffee, tea, tomato and soy-based sauces, and other pigment-rich foods and drinks
  • When you need scissors, wrenches and pliers, use scissors, wrenches and pliers — not your teeth
  • If you suffer from sleep or waking bruxism (clenching your jaw and grinding your teeth), wear a night guard to protect your veneers, other dental work and your teeth and jaw
  • Attend dental checkups at least every six months so your dentist can confirm the health of your gums and underlying teeth

Once you’ve made the investment of time, effort and money to eliminate the flaws on your teeth and to perfect the appearance of your smile with veneers from a dentist near you, the last thing you want to do is go backwards. You’ll eventually need new veneers, but you can prolong the life and beauty of your current veneers by following these simple steps.

If you have any questions or concerns about the condition of your veneers and whether they should be replaced now or soon, arrange an appointment with a cosmetic dentist in Kelowna.


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