Are Veneers Permanent? How Long Do They Last? How Should I Care For Them? Answering Your FAQs

If you’re interested in getting veneers in Southington, Plantsville, or Wolcott, you may have some questions about the process. Dr. Salesky and the team at Southington Dentistry are here to help with some answers to commonly asked questions about veneers:   

Are Veneers Permanent?

Yes! Traditional porcelain veneers require the removal of a small layer of enamel from your teeth, to ensure a snug, long-lasting fit. This process cannot be reversed. This means veneer treatment is permanent. The only exception is ultra-thin veneer products like Lumineers. These veneers are usually only about as thin as a contact lens, and can be placed without enamel removal. However, not all patients are candidates for Lumineers, and they still may require enamel removal, in some cases.

How Long Do Veneers Last?

With proper care, veneers can easily last 10-15 years or even longer. However, they are not invulnerable to cosmetic damage, chipping, and other such problems. But with proper care, you can keep your veneers in stellar shape for years.

What Happens If I Lose Or Damage A Veneer?

At some point, your veneers could be chipped, cracked, or damaged, or one of your veneers may be knocked out of place. If this happens, don’t panic! In most cases, a knocked-out veneer can simply be re-attached by your dentist, and a cracked or damaged veneer can be repaired. Even if your veneer can’t be repaired or recovered, a new veneer can be built to replace it, and treat the affected tooth You won’t have to have all of your teeth re-treated.

Preserving Your Veneers – Our Top Tips

So, how can you preserve your veneers, and make sure they last a long time? Here are a few helpful tips:

• Brush and floss properly – Brushing at least twice a day and flossing is the best way to keep all of your teeth healthy, including teeth which have been treated with veneers.

• Avoid biting hard or non-food objects with your veneers – Hard foods like almonds or ice should be avoided, as well as chewing any non-food objects, including your nails, pens, and pencils.

• Address teeth grinding – Teeth grinding and clenching can destroy your veneers. Invest in a night guard if you grind your teeth, to preserve your veneers.

• Protect your mouth when playing contact sports – Always wear a custom-fitted mouthguard when playing any kind of contact sport, to prevent your veneers from being damaged or knocked-out.

• Avoid stains – Porcelain veneers are stain-resistant, but beverages like wine, tea, and coffee can still leave them discolored. Tobacco use will also stain veneers. Discontinue smoking, and brush your teeth after drinking any beverage that could stain your teeth.

Want To Learn More? See Dr. Salesky Today!

Dr. Salesky is an experienced cosmetic dentist, and he specializes in the design and placement of porcelain veneers. If you have any other questions or concerns about the process, he would be happy to discuss them with you. Contact Southington Dentistry at (860) 628-5029 to schedule your appointment, or come by our office if you’re in the neighborhood, at 15 Cornerstone Court, 3a, Plantsville, Connecticut 06479