The question, “how long do veneers last,” is ultimately down to you and how well you look after your teeth once you’ve had veneers fitted. Typically dental veneers, otherwise known as porcelain veneers, can last between 7 and 15 years. Here are some things you can do to maintain your veneers after this cosmetic dentistry treatment.
Practice Proper Oral Hygiene
The key to keeping your dental veneers looking pristine for longer is to maintain your oral hygiene after your cosmetic dentistry treatment. Not only will this lengthen the lifespan of your veneers, but you will also benefit from a healthier mouth.
Your dental veneers will not decay, but if they’re not properly maintained, areas, where teeth remain exposed, can become infected. Brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once daily to keep your porcelain veneers in good condition so they last longer.
Use a Soft Toothbrush and Regular Toothpaste
Using a hard-bristled toothbrush to clean your teeth will damage the polish on your dental veneers, which is why it’s best to use a soft toothbrush to clean your veneers gently. Stay away from toothpastes that use microbeads or other harsh ingredients like baking soda to aid cleaning, as these can also damage your veneers.
Ask your cosmetic dentist about suitable toothbrushes and toothpaste for cleaning your porcelain veneers to keep them looking their best.
Watch Out for Gum Disease
Gum disease can result in inflammation and gum recession, which can expose part of your dental veneers and affect their appearance and your smile. To prevent gum disease, practise proper oral hygiene and talk to your dentist about your risks.
Visit the Dentist Regularly
If anyone knows how to answer “how long do veneers last” in your situation, it’s your cosmetic dentistry practitioner. Regular visits to your dentist ensures your veneers are checked for damage and repaired if needed, which can help them last longer. To maintain the appearance of your dental veneers, don’t forget to schedule your six-month checkup.
Ditch Your Chewing Habits
Although dental veneers are extremely durable, they don’t have the strength of your regular teeth. If you like to chew your fingernails, pens, ice, or other hard objects, you’ll need to break your unhealthy chewing habit if you want your veneers to stand up over time.
Having invested in cosmetic dentistry treatment, the last thing you want to do is cut the life of your veneers short because you couldn’t stop biting your fingernails.
Don’t Grind or Clench Your Teeth
Grinding or clenching your teeth can wear away your dental veneers. It’s a habit you should cut out anyway, even if you don’t have veneers, as it can really damage your teeth. If you grind or clench your teeth in your sleep, there are treatment options available to you to stop this habit. Talk to your dentist about a solution.
Avoid Food and Drink That Causes Stains
While most dental veneers are resistant to stains, the adhesive that keeps them in position is not. If you drink a lot of coffee or soda, the edges of your veneers can darken or become yellow. To prevent your veneers from staining, you can drink soda through a straw, otherwise, try to cut down on your intake of pigmented food and beverages that can cause stains.
Stop Smoking
If you’re a smoker, quit. This can help maintain your veneers and enhance your health in general. The last thing you want is to invest in cosmetic dentistry and then ruin your veneers in a matter of months from nicotine-induced discolouration.
Dental Veneers Last When Looked After
Dental veneers are a great cosmetic dentistry treatment if you’re looking to improve the appearance of your teeth. The answer to “how long do veneers last” is “as long as you take care of them.” If you practise proper oral hygiene, your dental veneers will last many years.
Choose Bay Dental Studio For Your Dental Veneers
Bay Dental Studio offers wafer-thin, tooth-coloured dental veneers that fit snugly over your teeth. If you’re looking to improve the appearance of your smile, our cosmetic dentistry treatments can transform your teeth by disguising discolouration and enhancing the shape of your teeth to boost your confidence.
Our cosmetic dentistry services are affordable, and we accept multiple dental insurance plans and offer flexible payment options. To make an appointment for dental veneers in Potts Point, Elizabeth Bay, or Double Bay, contact us today. Our knowledgeable staff will be happy to discuss dental veneers and other cosmetic dentistry services to help you decide what treatment options can enhance your smile and boost your confidence.
