Serving patients of Erwin, Jonesborough, and Greeneville TN
Do you have teeth that are chipped or broken? Do you have an unwanted gap between your teeth? If you can answer yes to either question, you may be considering your cosmetic treatment options, such as dental veneers. Receiving a veneer from the team of cosmetic dental professionals at Tusculum Dental Care can improve the appearance of your teeth in the blink of an eye, but for how long? Read on to learn more about the effective lifespan of veneers.
What are dental veneers?
A veneer is a thin piece of material that is placed on the front of the tooth or teeth being treated. They can change the apparent size, shape, color, or length of teeth. Veneers are an elective and cosmetic procedure. At Tusculum Dental Care, we work with veneers made of dental porcelain–a material that is durable, versatile, and stain-resistant. Dental porcelain also reflects light in a manner similar to natural tooth enamel, making your veneers all but indistinguishable from your other natural healthy teeth.
When and why do you need to replace veneers?
The most common reason veneers need to be replaced is that they reach the end of their life cycle.
However, if any of the following issues can necessitate early replacement:
- Cracks, chips or excessive wear
- Decay of the supporting tooth structure
- Gum disease or receding gums
- The veneers were applied improperly or are the wrong size
Make your veneers last
Porcelain veneers can last up to 15 years, or longer if you are diligent about your oral hygiene. If cared for properly, though, it’s entirely possible to extend the life expectancy of your veneers.
- Practice good oral hygiene. Make sure your oral hygiene routine is thorough and adequate. You should be brushing twice a day and flossing at least once. In addition to those daily activities, it’s recommended to have regular check-ins with your dentist at least twice per year.
- Use a mouthguard. If you’re an athlete or engage in physical activities, it’s going to be more likely for your veneers to get damaged. Wearing a mouthguard will protect them from cracking or chipping if you happen to be hit in the mouth or face.
- Never use teeth as tools. As a subconscious action, many people use their teeth to tear open a plastic package, open a bottle top or chew on fingernails. Any of these activities can result in your veneers getting chipped or cracked .
- Avoid grinding your teeth. Grinding your teeth, also known as bruxism, is an unconscious habit that most people do in their sleep. Bruxism wears down your teeth and can seriously damage any existing dental work, such as veneers. If you grind your teeth or a loved one has said you do, talk to your Tusculum dentist about a mouth guard to wear during sleep to avoid damaging your veneers.
Porcelain veneers in Greeneville, Jonesborough and Erwin in Tennessee
If you’re ready to improve the appearance of your smile, then you owe it to yourself to consider veneers. The next step is to determine if veneers are right for you. Tusculum Dental Care is here to help. Visit us online or call (423) 639-7575 to schedule a consultation today.