Porcelain veneers are one of the longest lasting cosmetic treatments for teeth, providing a natural-looking smile of straight teeth with a luminous luster.
They are also durable. Porcelain veneers on average last 10 years, depending on how they are cared for. Good brushing and flossing habits along with regular visits to your dentist for routine cleanings will help prolong their life. Some patients have kept their veneers for as long as 30 years.
At some point, however, your veneers will need to be replaced. In most cases, with well-maintained veneers, only one or two veneers will need care, and not the whole set.
If you are looking for a cosmetic dentist in the Madison area for porcelain veneers replacement, Drs. Jay C. Hazen and Chris Tamsen offer state-of-the-art CEREC® porcelain veneers that enable custom veneer replacements in just one office visit.
Replacing Single Veneers
The most common reasons a single veneer needs to be replaced are when:
- Trauma or an injury cracks or breaks the veneer.
- The bonding adhesive deteriorates and causes the veneer to come off.
- A cavity develops at an edge where the tooth and veneer meet. The veneer will need to be removed to treat the cavity and a new veneer attached after the cavity has been fixed.
Replacing Multiple Veneers
There are times when you may need to replace multiple veneers. If you suffer from gum disease and your gums recede, this will leave a gap exposing the edge of the veneer. To close the gap, the veneer will need to be removed and repositioned closer to the gum line. If gum disease is extensive, you may need to move multiple veneers.
Unfortunately, you may have cosmetic reasons to replace your veneers. You may be unhappy with the veneers put on your teeth if they are the wrong length, size, or color, which may make you self-conscious about your smile. This is why it is important to find an experienced cosmetic dentist who can design attractive veneers suited to your mouth.
Increasing the Lifespan of Veneers
There are simple steps you can take to prolong the life of your veneers, including:
- Good, daily brushing and flossing. Even though veneers don’t decay, the tooth underneath can. Be sure you have good daily oral hygiene and visit your dentist regularly for routine cleanings.
- Avoid using your teeth as tools. Just like teeth, porcelain veneers can be damaged if you make a habit of opening packages with your teeth or holding hard object, like bobby pins, with your teeth.
- Avoid chewing on hard objects. Porcelain can be damaged by the intense pressure caused by biting on hard objects, such as ice, popcorn kernels, or fingernails.
- Manage bruxism. Grinding your teeth can damage veneers. If you suffer from bruxism, talk to your dentist about steps you can take to protect your veneers. Your dentist might recommend a mouth guard that you can wear at night.
Next Steps
If you have veneers that need maintenance or you want to change the entire set, please call our offices for an appointment. We can assess your needs and recommend treatment that will put your concerns to rest.