Dental veneers are a popular option for those looking to fix minor cosmetic issues with their teeth. They generally tend to produce straighter, whiter-looking teeth for individuals who have them affixed. Below, we look at when should I replace my dental veneers?

When Should I Replace My Dental Veneers?

However, these veneers do tend to wear out over time. When this happens, you’ll have to look into getting a replacement. Knowing the signs to look out for can help you stay on top of when to go in for a check-up with your dentist.

What Are Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers are a type of artificial tooth replacement that makes one’s smile appear whiter and more radiant. To create a set of veneers, a dentist makes impressions of one’s teeth in order to mold the veneers.

From there, the teeth are buffed in order to remove a thin layer of enamel that will allow for the thickness of the veneer. The veneers are bonded to the teeth using a special cement and a special type of light. It’s good to be sure that veneers are truly what you want, as these fixtures are more or less permanent.

Signs of Wear and Tear

There are certain common signs of wear and tear with dental veneers that are good to look out for. Some of the following are of particular note:

• Your dental veneers are chipped or cracked, or they appear worn down.
• You’ve noticed that your veneers are starting to separate from your gums due to poor dental hygiene.
• The teeth that the veneers are affixed to have begun to feel decayed or diseased.
• You’ve begun to feel like your veneers were incorrectly installed in the first place in terms of size and placement.
• You feel as if the veneers were improperly applied. “Applied” in this context refers to the way in which they are affixed to your natural teeth.

If you’ve begun to experience one or more of these issues, you should consider scheduling an appointment with a dental professional in order to determine the best path forward for reestablishing the security of your veneers.

Extending the Lifespan of Your Veneers

Extending the lifespan of your veneers can be fairly easy as long as you follow a few simple steps to maintain their integrity. Some of the following steps can be extremely helpful in this process:

• Avoid using your teeth to open substances of hard materials
• Don’t smoke or chew tobacco.
• Avoid foods and drinks that stain your teeth.
• Go to the dentist for regular cleanings and check-ups.
• Stay diligent in terms of brushing and flossing.
• Use a non-abrasive toothbrush and toothpaste.
• Wear a mouth guard when you’re playing sports – especially if those sports are high-impact.

Following these guidelines should help you to extend the lifespan of your veneers. In general, these types of behaviors are ones that are considered beneficial for dental health in an overarching way.

Replacing Your Veneers

When veneers become damaged to a certain degree, they eventually have to be replaced. In the process of installing veneers, your dentist has to remove enamel from your natural teeth so that the veneers can be attached. The veneers then take the place of your natural enamel once installed.

In a veneer replacement, your dentist will perform a process that is very similar to what occurred in the initial veneer installation. Generally speaking, they will file away much of the old bonding agent and then take a mold of your teeth. A new set of veneers will be created from this mold.

Meeting With Your Dentist

Before undergoing any kind of treatment, you can talk with your dentist about which course of action is best for you in terms of replacing your dental veneers.

You and your healthcare provider will go over all the specifics of your teeth during this appointment, including any potential benefits as you proceed with treatment selection. This is also your chance to ask any questions or voice any concerns you may have with your doctor about how each treatment might affect your day-to-day activities.

Your dentist will also discuss any pointers they might have in regard to recovering from your procedure and preserving the appearance of your replacement porcelain veneers at this early stage.

The Veneer Center of Sacramento

Stonebrook Dental and its award-winning team are completely dedicated to the installation and maintenance of quality dental veneers for the residents of Sacramento and beyond. If you’re interested in receiving dental veneer treatment, contact us today to set up an appointment and start looking your best.