Dental veneers, ceramic or composite shells that fit over teeth to restore damage or make cosmetic corrections, are a long-lasting, durable treatment, but do eventually need to be replaced. This guide covers some of the questions patients often have about replacing this dental work.
Not every set of veneers lasts the same amount of time, but the average useful life is 10 to 15 years. Once the appearance or function of the treatment has degraded, patients need to have it replaced.
Veneers can wear down, suffer damage or become stained or discolored over time in the same way that natural teeth do. This process may be accelerated by physical trauma to the mouth, tooth decay, poor dental hygiene, smoking or consumption of staining food and drink, such as blueberries or coffee. Additionally, the treatment sometimes needs to be removed so that the dentist can access teeth that need dental work.
The process of replacing veneers is very similar to the process of initially placing the treatment. The dentist begins by carefully removing the existing dental work so that the process does not damage the underlying teeth. Once it has been removed, the dentist cleans the teeth. The dentist may then remove a small amount of the tooth surface to make it easier to adhere to the new dental work.
Next, an impression is made of the tooth or teeth and sent to a lab. The lab typically takes one to two weeks to manufacture the replacement set of shells. When the lab is finished, the patient returns to the dentist to have the new treatment applied and adjusted for fit.
New veneers eventually need to be replaced as well. However, there are steps the patient can take to prolong the life of the dental work.
Bacteria and plaque can build up on the veneers throughout the day. Regular brushing with a soft toothbrush and nonabrasive toothpaste removes this buildup and helps prevent tartar from forming on the dental work. It also helps maintain the health of the underlying natural teeth.
Smoking or chewing tobacco can stain both the natural teeth and the veneers. Stains not only change the appearance of the dental work but can lead to a color mismatch between the treatment and the natural teeth.
Flossing helps remove food debris between the teeth that can cause decay. It is recommended to floss at least once per day, but to increase effectiveness, floss after every meal.
Chewing on hard food or objects, such as ice, pens, or fingernails, can chip or crack the veneers. Avoid chewing on non-food objects and proceed with caution when consuming hard foods.
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Normal wear and tear and damage caused by trauma or daily activities make it necessary to replace veneers. However, patients can take steps to prolong the life of the dental work.
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