Do I Need New Dental Veneers? Common Signs You Need Replacement
Dental veneers are versatile restorations that conceal superficial flaws to enhance the smile’s appearance. Veneers bond to the facial surface of the teeth to hide gapped teeth, dental stains, discoloration, chips, cracks, fractures, and other imperfections.
Dental veneers withstand the wear and tear of biting and chewing. Still, veneers do not last forever. Dr. Louis J. Buono of Garden City Smiles, which serves Long Island, NY, Garden City, NY, and surrounding areas, discusses common signs it’s time for dental veneers replacement, a simple process essential to preserving the beauty and integrity of the smile.
How Long Do Dental Veneers Last?
Dr. Buono uses high-quality materials to fabricate dental veneers. The veneers can sustain the force of normal oral habits like biting and chewing. To prolong the lifespan of veneers, we recommend patients practice good oral hygiene habits, avoid biting on hard foods, and refrain from using their teeth as tools (biting on non-food objects). With proper care, veneers can last 10 years or longer.
How Do I Know When I Need Replacement?
Veneers lifespan depends on several factors, such as veneer materials, the patient’s oral habits, and aftercare practices. Because of this, there is not a specific timeframe in which patients can anticipate veneer replacement. Instead, they should recognize signs that veneers are worn, damaged, or need replacement. Tell-tale signs include structural damage, darkening veneers, stained veneers, and gaps between the gums and veneers.
Structural Damage
Although veneers are strong enough to bite and break down food, they can become damaged when exposed to non-food objects or excessive wear and tear. Veneers can suffer sudden structural damage or wear down over time. Veneers that are rough around the edges or have chips, cracks, or fractures present require replacement to protect underlying teeth from bacteria and infection.
Darkening Veneers
Dr. Buono bonds veneers in place with a tooth-colored compound. The compound is not visible through the veneers. However, the dental compound darkens over time. Eventually, patients may notice a darkening of veneers as the compound becomes noticeable through the restorations. Darkening veneers should be replaced to restore the smile’s appearance.
Stained Veneers
Dental veneers are resistant to stains. While they do not stain as easily as natural tooth enamel, they may discolor with persistent exposure to highly staining foods and beverages. Veneers do not respond to the bleaching agents in tooth whitening treatments so replacement is the only way to restore a bright white smile.
Gaps Between the Gums and Veneers
When the gums and teeth are not cleaned properly, bacteria can collect beneath the gumline, causing an infection. Without treatment, the infection progresses and the gums eventually lift away from the teeth. Gaps between the gums and veneers often indicate a patient needs periodontal treatment to eliminate infection, which requires the removal and replacement of dental veneers.
Contact Garden City Smiles
Dental veneers conceal aesthetic flaws that detract from the smile’s beauty. Although veneers may eventually damage or wear down, replacement is an easy way to restore the smile’s appearance. To learn more about dental veneers replacement, contact Garden City Smiles and schedule an appointment with Dr. Louis J. Buono at your earliest convenience.
