Porcelain veneers are an option for repairing a smile when there are one or more teeth that are broken, discolored, or oddly shaped. A permanent solution to the problem, porcelain veneers allow patients to fix their teeth and maintain their new smile with the same care and hygiene that they would apply to their natural teeth.
Porcelain veneers are said to be one of the longest lasting solutions to such an issue, often lasting 10 to 30 years. For this reason, they are very popular.
What Are Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are very thin porcelain sheaths that are attached to the front of the teeth. When teeth are stained, broken, cracked, or otherwise healthy but not aesthetically appealing, porcelain veneers cover them with a tooth-colored porcelain piece shaped to fit the tooth, so the tooth now fits in with other surrounding healthy teeth.
It is possible to get porcelain veneers for your whole smile, just the upper teeth, just the lower teeth, or individual teeth or groups of teeth that require repair.
How Long Do Porcelain Veneers Last?
Porcelain veneers are attached to the fronts of teeth after the surface of the tooth is roughed up and prepared for the application. The thin sheaths of porcelain are then adhered to the front of the tooth with a permanent material that keeps it in place for as long as needed or until it needs to be removed and replaced.
A set of porcelain veneers can last anywhere from 10 years to 30 years depending on how well the porcelain veneers are cared for. If they are broken or damaged, they may need to be replaced at any time within that 30-year period, but they cannot simply be removed.
During the preparation of the teeth for the application of the porcelain veneers, the enamel of the tooth was damaged. Because of this, it will be necessary for damaged veneers to be replaced with new ones.
How Can I Maintain My Porcelain Veneers for Longevity?
If longevity is your goal, you can make certain choices that will help your porcelain veneers to last longer. In most cases, you should be able to floss and brush in order to take care of them just as you would with natural teeth.
Though porcelain veneers resist stains better than resin veneers, it is still possible to stain them if you drink dark liquids (like coffee, red wine, cola, or fruit juice) or eat foods that can stain (like tomato sauce, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, or curry).
Also, porcelain is breakable. Though the veneers are unlikely to break with normal eating, if you eat hard foods frequently, the risk of breakage is higher.
Are Porcelain Veneers the Right Choice for Me?
Dison Family Dentistry has porcelain veneer dentists who can help you determine whether or not this is the best option for your smile. Everyone is different, and teeth may be repaired through a variety of options.
Contact Dison Family Dentistry today to set up a consultation and find which options are recommended for your dental care.