Are you looking for ways to improve your smile? Cosmetic dentistry includes an array of options for enhancing the appearance of your teeth. One such option is dental veneers. For teeth that are healthy but have cosmetic imperfections, veneers offer a quick and easy solution.
If you’re considering veneers, you likely have some questions about them before you make your final decision. How long do dental veneers last? Are they permanent? What are veneers made of? Learn the answers to these questions and more about dental veneers.
What Are Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers give your teeth a new facade. They are thin tooth-shaped pieces, but two-dimensional. Unlike a dental crown that fits completely over and around your tooth, veneers attach to just the front side of your teeth. Veneers can conceal imperfections in your teeth such as chips and stains to make your teeth appear uniform in size and color.
Types of Dental Veneers
There are two main types of dental veneers:
- Porcelain. Porcelain is a specific type of ceramic that is strong and resembles natural tooth enamel. This is considered to be the highest quality type of dental veneers.
- Composite. Composite veneers are made of tooth-colored resin that is shaped and hardened.
Both porcelain and composite veneers are custom made to fit your teeth and to match the color of your existing teeth for natural looking results.
Average Lifespan of Dental Veneers
Veneers last an average of 10-20 years. Over time veneers can wear down and become chipped or stained. The number of years you get out of your veneers relies greatly on the following factors.
Factors That Affect the Lifespan of Dental Veneers
- Eating and drinking habits. The foods you eat and the beverages you drink can stain your veneers. Biting into hard foods can also damage your veneers.
- Oral hygiene. Veneers can develop plaque just like your natural teeth. The cleaner you keep your veneers, the longer they will last.
- Professional dental care. Regular dental visits are important to keep your veneers clean and in proper shape.
- Biting non-food items. Using your teeth to open containers and remove tags can damage your veneers. The same is true for absentmindedly chewing on things such as pens or pencils.
- Material of your veneers. Porcelain veneers are known to last longer than composite veneers because it is a higher quality material.
- Proper fit and placement. Veneers that are placed by an experienced cosmetic dentist tend to last longer because of their precise fit.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Veneers
Are dental veneers permanent?
Once they are attached to your teeth, veneers are permanent. They can only be removed by your dentist and must be replaced with new veneers or an alternative. A thin layer of enamel is removed from the teeth prior to veneer placement, so they can’t remain uncovered.
Can teeth get cavities under veneers?
Your teeth are still susceptible to decay while you have veneers. In order to prevent cavities, keep your teeth and veneers clean and contact your dentist if your veneers become loose.
Schedule a Consultation
If you’re ready to transform your smile quickly and easily with dental veneers, schedule a consultation with R. Renan Williams DDS. Call 817-281-4801 or contact us today to learn more and make an appointment.