Currently, dental veneers have become a popular solution for solving various cosmetic issues. For instance, veneers can mask stains and discoloration on the teeth, elongate the teeth or alter their shape, make the smile look more unified, and close gaps between the teeth. But how long do veneers actually last? Please read our article to learn the answer to this question and the tips for increasing your veneers’ lifespan.
How Long Do Veneers Actually Last?
The longevity of your dental veneers depends on the material they are made of, your diet and lifestyle habits, and the care you take of your veneers. The quality of the procedure and the experience of your cosmetic dentist can also affect how long veneers will serve you. In general, veneers can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years before they need to be replaced with a new set.
Let us look at the materials dental veneers can be made of and their longevity:
- Porcelain is a material widely used in dentistry due to its durability and stain resistance. You can expect your porcelain veneers to last for 7 to 15 years.
- Resin composite veneers tend to be more fragile compared to porcelain ones. This type of veneer usually lasts for 5 to 8 years.
Lifestyle and Diet Tips to Make Your Veneers Last Longer
Regardless of the type of veneers you opt for, several tips can help your dental appliances last longer:
Be Mindful of What You Eat
Some foods might be harmful even for natural teeth, let alone for dental veneers. The foods we recommend avoiding include:
- Hard and crunchy foods that can break or scratch your veneers, such as crackers, chips, etc.
- Sticky foods, such as toffee, caramel, etc.
- Staining foods and beverages, such as red wine, black coffee, tea, beetroot, curry, etc. If you eat or drink products that contain staining agents, rinse your mouth or brush your teeth right after the meal to prevent staining particles from lingering on your veneers.
Avoid Physical Damage
You can break or crack your veneers due to oral or facial trauma. Thus, we recommend wearing a mouthguard when engaging in sports activities. A mouthguard can absorb the force if you get hit in the face and serve as a protective barrier for your teeth and veneers. Also, please do not use your teeth for cracking nuts, opening bottles, etc., as it can also result in your veneers breaking or cracking.
Clean Your Veneers Properly
Plaque and tartar that collect on your veneer over time can make it look discolored or stained. Thus, thorough daily oral hygiene will help you preserve the original color of your veneers. Additionally, consider a water flosser as the first step in your routine, as it can make subsequent flossing more straightforward and more effective.
Also, by brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing every evening, you will be able to avoid getting cavities or gum disease. Both these oral health issues might require your veneers to be removed to treat the teeth and gums.
Choose Correct Products for Cleaning Your Veneers
Avoid using abrasive toothpaste (for example, with soda or charcoal) and hard-bristled toothbrushes, as they can scratch the surface of your veneers. Food particles and bacteria can accumulate in these micro scratches, making your veneers appear stained or darker. We recommend opting for fluoride toothpaste and a soft or medium toothbrush to maximize the effectiveness and safety of your oral hygiene.
Also, do not use over-the-counter whitening products on your veneers. Such products contain bleaching agents that are not designed for use on porcelain or resin composite. On top of that, these products can irreversibly harm the enamel of your natural teeth and your gums.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Visit your dentist every 6 months for checkups and professional dental cleanings. Checkups will help make sure that the teeth underneath your veneers are in good condition and that the veneers’ sealant is intact. Also, regular professional cleanings will help preserve the original color of your veneers and the health of your teeth and gums.
Get High-Quality Dental Veneers at Dental Care of Pomona
If you want to noticeably enhance the appearance of your smile in just a couple of visits, do not hesitate to make an appointment with a cosmetic dentist at Dental Care of Pomona. The high-quality materials we use and the experience of our specialists allow us to provide our patients with reliable dental veneers. We are looking forward to your visit.
