Are Veneers Permanent?

When it comes to cosmetic dentistry and getting the smile you always wanted, veneers are a popular option. But, as popular as they might be, a lot of people are still not sure how they work exactly. More specifically, are veneers permanent? And, what does that really mean.

Hopefully, this article will answer all your questions.

What Are Veneers and Am I a Good Candidate?

There are many reasons why your dentist may recommend veneers as a cosmetic dentistry procedure. If you have a broken or chipped tooth or if your teeth are misaligned or discolored, then veneers can help fix and cover these issues.

Made out of porcelain or composite resin, veneers are tooth-colored covers fixed on the external part of the tooth.

Keep in mind their role is cosmetic and do not fix dental problems such as periodontitis or any other existing condition.

Are Dental Veneers Permanent?

That’s a bit of a tricky question to answer.

Veneers don’t last forever so, in that regard, they are not permanent. They have a lifespan of 10 to 20 years, depending on your oral health care practice. In time, they wear out and even break and will have to be replaced at some point.

But, veneers are a permanent procedure in the sense that once you got them, you can’t go back to your natural teeth. That’s because the dentist will have to shave off some of your enamel and trim your teeth to fit the veneers. This process is not reversible as tooth enamel can not grow back.

How Can I Make My Veneers Last Longer?

Firstly, it’s crucial to have good dental hygiene as dental veneers do not eliminate the risk of having cavities. Cavities can still grow on the part of the tooth that has not been covered with the resin or even under the veneers.

But there are ways to increase their lifespan, such as:

• Be aware of foods and beverages that stain, especially if the veneers are made of resin composite. Porcelain veneers do not stain, but the natural tooth can change color while porcelain veneers do not;
• Avoid food that is too hard or sticks to the teeth;
• Brush, floss, and rinse every day, after each meal;
• Do not bite or chew on objects;
• Do not bite your nails;
• Use protection if you clench and grind your teeth (also known as bruxism;)
• Chew carefully;
• Visit the dentist on a regular basis.

Are You Considering Veneers? Call Us!

SouthEnd Dentistry is a comprehensive general and cosmetic dental practice, capable of handling some of the most challenging and complex cases due to our extensive training and experience.

We approach every patient with laser-sharp focus, paying attention to all details and providing personalized solutions.

If you are interested in more details about dental veneers and want to see if you are a good candidate, get in touch with us now and book your appointment with us.