Veneers are a very popular way to improve the appearance of teeth, creating a more cosmetically perfect and appealing smile. They are frequently used during smile makeovers, hiding minor imperfections so teeth look perfectly shaped, colored, and aligned.
If you are looking to improve your smile, veneers could help, but it’s important to understand what they are, how they work, the different types available, and how long each type can last.
At Broadway Family Dental, we help patients understand their cosmetic dentistry options and choose treatments that suit their individual smiles. Veneers can be an excellent solution for improving the shape, color, and overall appearance of teeth when they are appropriate for the patient’s needs.
What Are Veneers?
A veneer is a thin shell of material fitting over the front surface of a tooth. It may also cover the sides of the tooth as well as the biting or incisal edge. Veneers can be made from porcelain or composite resin.
Porcelain Veneers
A porcelain veneer is made from a strong ceramic material and is very durable. The ceramic closely replicates a real tooth, providing results that are natural and highly aesthetic.
These veneers are made outside the mouth using a digital scan of your teeth. Before the mold is taken, your dentist will usually need to prepare the tooth by removing some of its structure. The tooth is prepared using local anesthetic to ensure you feel comfortable.
Generally, it takes around two weeks for porcelain veneers to be custom-made in a dental lab. While they are being made, your dentist fits temporary veneers onto your teeth. This protects the prepared tooth surfaces from feeling too sensitive when you eat anything hot, cold, sweet, or sour.
Because some tooth preparation is likely required, treatment is irreversible.
How Long Do Porcelain Veneers Last?
With the right care, you could expect your porcelain veneers to last at least 5-10 years. Some will last a lot longer. Certain types of veneers are known as prep-free or prepless veneers. These are made from an extremely strong ceramic material and are usually a lot thinner than ordinary porcelain veneers, at around 0.2 mm compared to 0.5 mm for a standard veneer. They can last up to 20 years.
Composite Resin Veneers
These veneers are made from composite resin, which is the same material used to mend cavities in teeth. Composite resin is tooth colored, and there is a huge range of different shades available, so your dentist can closely match the color to your natural teeth.
Unlike porcelain veneers, composite veneers are made in your mouth, so you would typically only need a single appointment. Also, little or no tooth preparation is needed, so in theory treatment is reversible.
Before your dentist begins, they will clean the tooth surfaces to be covered, before using a special liquid to etch them lightly. Etching creates a rougher surface, enabling a stronger bond between the tooth and the composite resin.
After etching, the tooth is rinsed and dried, and the composite resin is applied directly to the surface and hardened with a special light. Once all the composite resin is in place, your dentist carefully shapes the veneer and polishes it, completing your treatment.
How Long Do Composite Resin Veneers Last?
You can expect these veneers to last several years. One potential issue is staining. Unlike porcelain, composite resin veneers can discolor if you smoke, drink red wine, tea, or coffee, or prefer eating darker colored foods like berries and tomato-based sauces. In this situation, you would need to replace them more quickly.
However, composite resin veneers are cost-effective compared to porcelain veneers. They can also be a good choice if you only need to have one or two veneers placed.
When to Consider Veneers?
There is no doubt veneers can be an excellent treatment in the right situations.
It is worth considering them if you have teeth that are:
- Chipped or cracked slightly.
- Discolored.
- Misshapen.
- Too small.
- Slightly out of alignment.
- Worn down.
When Might Veneers Not Be Quite the Right Choice?
Dental veneers are less likely to be a good option if you have more severe damage to a tooth. They cannot be used to repair teeth that have lost quite a bit of their original structure, or that already have large fillings.
Dental Crowns
When a tooth is more severely damaged, a dental crown is the better choice as it covers the tooth entirely. The crown will restore strength and structure to the tooth and offers excellent protection.
Orthodontics
Sometimes when teeth are severely out of alignment, veneers will not be able to bring them back into line. They also cannot correct other issues like bite problems. In this situation, you might be better considering orthodontic treatment.
Although orthodontics may take longer to complete, realigning your teeth and correcting bite problems can be an excellent investment in your oral health. Simply put, straighter teeth are easier to keep clean, so your risk of developing cavities or gum disease reduces.
Once your teeth are straightened, your dentist can then review their appearance and, if necessary, place one or two veneers to help perfect your smile.
Bruxism
If you are likely to clench and grind your teeth, a condition called bruxism, you will need to get treatment for this first. Teeth grinding and clenching can significantly damage your natural teeth and any restorations, including porcelain and composite resin veneers.
When you see your dentist, they can soon advise you if veneers are right for you, or if another treatment is more appropriate.
How to Help Your Veneers Last Longer
If you do have veneers, you will want them to last as long as possible. There are several things you can do to increase their lifespan and keep them looking good.
- Follow a Good Daily Oral Care Routine
Ensure you brush your teeth at least twice daily and floss every day. This will help prolong the lifespan of your natural teeth and restorations like veneers. It’s such a simple routine to follow and will take you less than 10 minutes daily. - Schedule Dental Hygiene Appointments Regularly
Everyone benefits from regular dental cleanings, and this treatment is an excellent way to protect your teeth and restorations like veneers. Your hygienist can professionally clean your veneers and check their condition. Professionally cleaning your veneers and natural teeth helps remove plaque and tartar buildup, so afterward they look slightly shinier. - Wear a Night Guard
If you have a tooth grinding and clenching habit, ensure you purchase a custom-made night guard from your dentist. This is an inexpensive, custom-made dental appliance that fits over your upper teeth, preventing your teeth from contacting each other and protecting them. - Don’t Use Your Teeth As Tools
Although it’s tempting to rip open a packet with your teeth, please resist. It can easily chip or crack your natural teeth and your veneers, and can prove an expensive mistake to make.
Ready to improve your smile? Contact Broadway Family Dental today to schedule a consultation and find out whether veneers are right for you.
Broadway Family Dental
372 Stockton St,
Brooklyn, NY 11206
(Bushwick, Williamsburg, Bedford-Stuyvesant)
(718) 455-4400