Having a smile you can feel good about can greatly improve your quality of life. Unfortunately, very few people have perfect smiles without the help of cosmetic dental procedures - especially dental veneers.
Of course, when you have a great smile, you want to keep it, right? So, let’s talk about how long you can expect dental veneers to last.
What Are Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers are thin facings or shells that are made custom to fit over the front of your tooth or teeth. It is like giving your tooth a makeover. This cosmetic dental procedure is an easy way to transform all sorts of blemishes or imperfections, including:
- Large gaps
- Misshapen teeth
- Slight misalignments
- Superficial cracks
- Discolorations
- Chipped teeth
- Weakened teeth
How Long Do Veneers Last?
Veneers can be made with different materials like composite, ceramic, and porcelain - with the latter being the strongest, longest-lasting option.
When you invest in veneers and you want your smile transformed, then you want the best of the best option. You want to feel confident that no one will notice that you have a veneer and will just think that your teeth are naturally beautiful.
The longevity of dental veneers depends on the type of material they are made from. For instance, composite dental veneers generally do not last as long as other types and are prone to chipping and breaking, with their average lifespan being around 3 years. So although they are most affordable in the beginning, they may not be so in the long run since they will require frequent replacement.
Ceramic veneers last longer, at about an average of 5 to 10 years. These are a much better option than composite veneers and may look better, too. Though they still cannot compare to porcelain veneers.
Porcelain veneers have been dubbed the gold standard - and rightly so - as they can last as long as 15 years - or more. They are the strongest and most durable option available.
Caring For Dental Veneers
The better you care for your veneers, the longer they will last you. Taking the right steps in your oral health care can ensure that you have your veneers as long as possible. Here’s what you need to do:
Boost your oral hygiene routine. Make sure that you are brushing at least twice per day and floss at least once. Choose a non-invasive toothpaste that won’t damage your veneers. And be sure to not brush aggressively. Investing in a good mouthwash can help, too. Ask your dentist for any tips or recommendations.
Avoid things that can damage your dental veneers, including:
- Smoking cigarettes
- Chewing tobacco
- Hard foods or candy
- Ice
Visit your dentist every 6 months. Not only will these visits clean your teeth and boost your oral health, but they will give your dentist a chance to monitor your veneers and ensure they remain in good shape.
Dental Veneers at Integrated Dentistry
If you want to learn more about dental veneers or see if they will work well for you, then the team at Integrated Dentistry can help. With years of experience placing veneers and transforming smiles, you can trust that you are in good hands.
Contact us today at 479-333-1300 or request an appointment online.