Where does the time go? It seems to have flown by, but you have to admit you’ve had your flawless veneers for quite a few years now. You know they don’t last forever, but is it time to have them swapped? How can you tell when you need new veneers? You and your dentist can look out for these signs that your veneers need to be replaced.
The Tooth Attached to the Veneer Has Decay.
Veneers are impervious to cavities, but you still have most of the natural tooth intact, which is vulnerable to decay. As a result, you still need to maintain good oral hygiene. Otherwise, the entire tooth—veneer and all—could become compromised.
If you have a veneered tooth with a cavity, your dentist may likely remove the veneer, take out the decay, and then restore the lost structure. In some cases, this means the tooth requires a crown, which surrounds the entire tooth, but in others, a new veneer can be placed onto the tooth.
Your Veneers Are Chipped or Worn.
Although the porcelain material used for veneers is exceptionally strong and durable, it can chip, crack, or simply wear down over time. In fact, the typical lifespan of veneers is usually between 10 and 15 years with 20 years generally being the maximum. When your veneers start showing signs of aging, it’s time to consider new ones—after all, you got veneers to cover up these kinds of flaws in the first place!
While examining your teeth every six months or so, your dentist can always keep an eye on your veneers for damage and let you know what they see.
Your Veneers Are Stained.
More stain resistant than tooth enamel, porcelain can withstand coffee, wine, tea, chocolate, and other staining foods and drinks for quite a while before becoming yellow or dull. When this happens, veneers need to be replaced because traditional whitening treatment will not work on this material.
Discoloration can creep up on you slowly over time, but your dentist can also monitor the color of your veneers, helping you always have a brilliant, stunning smile.
Your Veneers Don’t Look Natural Because of Gum Disease.
A well-balanced smile consists of just the right amount of tooth enamel and gum tissue. Veneers are fabricated to give you this even look, but if you don’t maintain good oral hygiene at home, your gums could become infected, causing them to recede. This gum disease means trouble not only for your oral health but also for your veneers. Your dentist can treat the infection, but you may need new veneers following the procedure.
In the end, you don’t have to keep tabs on your veneers alone. Aside from your own maintenance at home, during normal checkups, your dentist will keep an eye on your veneers, making sure they remain in top shape so you can smile with confidence.
About the Practice
In North Bethesda, MD, the team at Aesthetic & Family Dentistry transforms smiles every day through cosmetic treatments like veneers, teeth whitening, and more. With advanced technology like putty-free digital impressions and their clinical experience, they make perfecting your teeth as comfortable and positive as possible. If you have old veneers that may need to be replaced, you can schedule an appointment by calling their office at 301-658-7647 or visiting our Contact Us page here.