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Are veneers permanent?
If you’re thinking about traditional veneers (as opposed to prep or temporary veneers) than the answer is yes.
Permanent, doesn’t necessarily mean forever though. Traditional veneers can last up to 15 or 20 years with good oral hygiene.
Of course, their longevity depends on several factors including the type of veneer you choose, proper care, and your overall dental health.
In this post, I’ll explore the durability of veneers and provide five tips to keep your porcelain veneers strong and beautiful.
Veneers have become a popular choice in cosmetic dentistry. In fact, they’re often used for more than just a perfect smile. Veneers can be a great option to cover up chipped teeth, misaligned teeth, and a variety of other issues.
Read more on whether you might be a good candidate.
Disclaimer:
While I have researched this topic thoroughly, it’s not meant to be a substitute for professional, medical advice. Please seek professional consultation with a qualified dentist before making a decision on whether to get veneers. If you have veneers, ask your dentist how to best protect their longevity. This blog post is for information purposes only.
Cost of Veneers
According to Medical News Today, dental veneers range in price.
Price will depend on the type of veneer, the amount of preparation required, and where you live.
In some cases, insurance may cover a portion of the cost, if the veneers and/or bonding are to restore a damaged tooth.
It’s important to check with your insurange coverage to see what’s available for you.
Generally speaking, a person can expect to pay between $925 and $2500 per tooth.
That said, it doesn’t have to be all or nothing.
If you have otherwise great teeth and just want to touch up the front two teeth, start with that.
You can always opt to add more veneers later. Sometimes that’s an easier option if you can’t afford the cost all up front.
5 Ways to Keep Your Porcelain Strong
The suggestions in this post apply to traditional, or permanent veneers.
However, the same care can be applied to a variety of different veneer types.
You may have custom veneers that involve some dental bonding, or even removable veneers. No matter what you get, they should all be treated with care, along with follow-up visits to the dentist.
Veners are a great way to cover dental imperfections including discoloration, chipping, breakage, and more.
The two main types of veneers, according to the American Dental Assocation, are porcelain and composite.
The following are some guidelines on how to keep your veneers strong and lasting as long as possible.
1. Choose the Right Type of Veneer
There are different types of veneers, each made from various materials.
Traditional porcelain veneers are known for their natural-looking appearance and long-lasting durability. These thin shells are custom-made to fit over the front of your teeth.
Unlike composite resin veneers, which may require less time and a smaller amount of tooth enamel removal, porcelain veneers are a permanent treatment that requires an irreversible procedure involving the removal of a small amount of enamel.
If you’re considering veneers, discuss your specific needs with your dental team during the initial consultation to make an informed decision.
While porcelain veneers have a longer lifespan, composite veneers can be a great option for those looking for a less invasive solution.
2. Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene Practices
The longevity of your veneers depends largely on your oral hygiene practices.
Regular brushing, especially with a soft-bristled toothbrush, and twice-daily brushing are essential to prevent gum disease and tooth decay. Periodonatal disease can affect the condition of your veneers.
Proper care also involves using non-abrasive toothpaste and flossing daily to protect both your natural teeth and your veneers.
Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings are vital to maintaining the health of your teeth and veneers.
Your dental team can provide personalized advice on the best care practices to ensure the longevity of your veneers.
3. Avoid Hard and Staining Foods
While porcelain veneers are durable, they are not indestructible.
Biting into hard objects or foods, such as ice or hard candies, can chip or crack your veneers. It’s also wise to limit your intake of staining foods and beverages like red wine, coffee, and tea.
Though porcelain veneers are more resistant to stains than composite resin material, it can still happen.
Taking precautions with your diet can help preserve the natural-looking appearance of your veneers and ensure they last for a long time.
4. Protect Your Veneers During Physical Activities
If you participate in contact sports or other physical activities, wearing a mouthguard is a great idea.
Some people, like me, also require a bite plane to protect the permanent veneers from wearing out too soon.
A custom-made mouthguard can prevent damage from accidental impacts, which is especially important since veneers are a significant investment.
Your dental team can recommend the best mouthguard options to suit your needs and ensure your veneers stay intact during your favorite activities.
5. Regularly Assess the Condition of Your Veneers
Over time, the condition of your veneers may change due to various factors like wear and tear, changes in your dental health, or improper care.
Regular visits to your dentist will help monitor the lifespan of your veneers and address any issues promptly.
In some cases, veneers may need to be replaced to maintain the best results for your smile.
Proper dental care and attention to your veneers can help you achieve and maintain a beautiful smile for many years.
Remember, veneers are a long-term solution, and with good care, they can provide a natural-looking, long-lasting result that enhances the appearance of your teeth.
Stay Beautiful Throughout Your Life
I recently created a post titled 65 Best Beauty Bloggers Over 50 that you have to read!
I was amazed at the talent and dedication I found amongst the blogs. Some lean more heavily towards fashion and travel, but others include skincare, makeup tutorials, and more.
Show off your new pearly whites!
Once you have a beautiful new smile, it only makes sense that you might want to show them off to the world.
If you’ve ever considered modelling, read: 11 Pro Tips on Modelling Over 50 for Mature Women
Why not update the wardrobe a little while you’re at it. There’s nothing like a new white smile to perk up your confidence. Read: 9 Attractive Shoes for a High Arch That Don’t Look Old
Conclusion
While veneers are a permanent solution to many cosmetic concerns, their longevity depends on how well you care for them.
By choosing the right type of veneer, maintaining excellent oral hygiene, avoiding harmful foods, protecting your veneers, and regularly assessing their condition, you can keep your porcelain veneers strong and enjoy a perfect smile for a long time.
