After being unhappy with your smile’s appearance for as long as you can remember, you think you’ve finally found the answer: porcelain veneers! Everything you’ve read online talks about how they are fantastic for addressing multiple cosmetic flaws at once and completely transforming smiles. A little more research, however, shows that they can be quite an investment as well, so then you start to wonder, “What can I do to make sure my porcelain veneers look great for as long as possible?” We’ll answer this question and more today so you can know just how to make your new smile stand the test of time.
The Lifespan of Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers consist of extremely thin ceramic coverings that are bonded to the front of the teeth in order to improve their appearance, and they’re one of the most efficient ways to makeover your smile. Fortunately, they are made to truly last as well.
Modern day dental porcelain is often just as strong or stronger than natural enamel, so you won’t have to worry about them breaking just from biting into a piece of food. On average, porcelain veneers tend to last for about 10 years, but they can last for even longer with the right maintenance. Many patients have porcelain veneers that still look great after 20 years.
The longevity of porcelain veneers often comes down to how a patient takes care of them after they have been placed. For instance, if the underlying natural teeth start to decay because of a lack of oral hygiene, this can severely affect how the veneers look. The veneers, just like your natural teeth, can also become stained if they are regularly exposed to foods and beverages such as coffee, tea, wine, or dark colored berries. Plus, while dental porcelain is very strong, it does have its limits. If you were to chew on a piece of ice, for example, there is a chance a veneer could break, but this is true for your natural teeth as well, which is why you should always avoid chewing extremely hard things.
How to Make Them Last
The key to making them last is to take care of your veneers just like the rest of your smile. You can keep them white and prevent the supporting teeth from breaking down by simply brushing and flossing every day in addition to getting regular checkups with your dentist in Lincoln. You can also protect them further by wearing a mouthguard whenever you participate in sports and a nightguard if you grind your teeth while you sleep. Just by following these simple tips, you can easily keep your new smile looking great for over a decade or more.
About the Author
Dr. Chris Haag is a family, restorative, and cosmetic dentist based in Lincoln, NE, and he has extensive experience helping patients get the smiles of their dreams with porcelain veneers. He only uses the most advanced materials and latest technology at his practice so he can guarantee his patients’ new smiles will always last. He currently practices at Pioneer Greens Dentistry in Lincoln NE, and he can be contacted through his website or at (402) 483-7502.