How Long Do Porcelain Veneers Last?

If you are hoping to improve the look of your smile,  porcelain veneers in chapel hill north carolina are a great solution to restore your teeth to a whiter, more balanced and natural look.  Dentists use a thin layer of porcelain to cover the front of your teeth to change the color, shape, chipped or cracked appearance, crooked placement or gaps between teeth.

Once you and the dentist determine that porcelain veneers are the best treatment plan for your smile goals, you will have two or three appointments before the permanent veneers are in place.  If you do not take care to be mindful of your newly restored teeth, you can damage them in half the time.  While porcelain veneers are one of the most durable options for veneers, they are not indestructible.

Depending on how you care for them, your porcelain veneers should last between ten to fifteen years on average.

Permanent Fix?

Depending on how your porcelain veneers wear over time or if they incur any damage, veneers may need to be replaced after ten to fifteen years or cosmetically repaired.  Just as you need to care for your natural teeth to keep them as healthy for as long as possible, porcelain veneers are very similar.  Porcelain can chip and crack; take care to avoid biting down on hard crunchy food like nuts and ice.  Porcelain is more stain resistant than tooth enamel, but it can stain over time from repeated exposure to coffee, tea, wine, soda and tobacco.

Making Them Last

While porcelain veneers do have an average lifespan of ten to fifteen years, they are not meant to be permanent replacements for your natural teeth.  But just like your natural teeth, your porcelain veneers benefit from regular at home care and professional dental maintenance.  If you made the investment in veneers to improve your smile and confidence, then there are some steps you can take to make the most of the money you spent.

  1. Take care to maintain good at home dental care.  Brush twice a day, floss, and use an oral rinse to minimize staining and prevent bacteria from turning into plaque.  Follow up with twice yearly dental cleanings and exams to address any issues before they turn into bigger problems.
  2. Use mouth guards.  When you are participating in your favorite sport or athletic activity, protect your teeth and veneers while you play.
  3. Stop teeth grinding complications.  People who suffer from bruxism or clenching and grinding their teeth in their sleep can damage their teeth and veneers over time.  Talk to the dentist about your habits and you may avoid cracked or short lived veneers.
  4. Teeth are not tools.  Instead of using a pair of scissors to open a package, using your teeth is an easy, thoughtless alternative.  This is a dangerous way to compromise your teeth, introduce germs into your mouth, and even chip your veneer.

Take time to care for your teeth and your veneers and your smile will stay white and bright for at least the next decade.

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Cornerstone Family Dentistry Chapel Hill NC

High-Quality Dental Care

At Cornerstone Family Dentistry in Chapel Hill, all our services are performed with the patient in mind. We want you to feel comfortable in the dental chair, confident in our work, and most importantly, we want you to fall in love with your smile again. If you would like to schedule an appointment or if you have any questions about cosmetic procedures that we offer, please contact us at (919) 595-1010.