Porcelain veneers are an excellent solution for a variety of cosmetic issues. They can correct issues such as stained or discolored teeth, uneven or misshapen teeth, gaps between teeth, and more. Veneers look natural in the mouth since they are made of thin porcelain. Nevertheless, this material is durable and can last for years. However, if the time came to get the new set of veneers, you might be wondering what to expect from the veneer replacement process. In this article, we discuss this procedure.
What to Expect from the Veneer Replacement Process
You might need to replace your veneers due to several reasons:
- Your veneers are chipped, cracked, or broken
- The sealant between your veneers and teeth is broken
- Your veneers are stained, discolored, or scratched
The dental veneer replacement procedure looks similar to when you got your veneers for the first time. However, there are also a few additional steps. Generally, you can expect the following steps to be included in your veneer replacement process:
- The dentist will remove your old veneers.
- Your dentist will remove the bonding material from your teeth that was used as an adhesive for your previous set of veneers.
- Your dentist will take a new impression of your teeth. The impression is necessary because the old one might not be accurate anymore due to changes in age and teeth condition that have occurred since your first set of veneers was placed.
- Some of your teeth may be filed slightly to make sure that the new veneers fit well.
- The next step is placing temporary veneers to protect your teeth while your new set of permanent ones is being custom-made.
- Once your permanent veneers are ready, they will be bonded to your teeth using a dental adhesive. This process will be similar to the bonding process when you initially had your veneers placed.
Before getting a set of new veneers, you will have to have a dental checkup to make sure that your oral health is in good condition. Any issues, such as cavities or gum disease, will need to be treated before you can get your veneers. It is also advisable to have a professional dental cleaning.
How to Make Your Veneers Last Longer
Typically, veneers last for 8 to 12 years before they need to be replaced. They can last longer with exceptional care. To make your veneers last as long as possible and maintain good quality and appearance, follow these rules:
- Brush your teeth thoroughly twice a day. Veneers cannot get cavities since they are made of artificial material, but the teeth underneath the veneers can. Tooth decay underneath veneers will require the veneers to be taken off so your dentist can treat the tooth. Furthermore, you need to remove plaque and food residue from your veneers regularly to avoid their discoloration and staining.
- Floss your teeth every evening to avoid bacteria and plaque collecting between your teeth, causing tooth decay, veneer staining, and gum disease.
- Abstain from smoking, as it is one of the leading causes of veneer stain and discoloration.
- Avoid staining foods and drinks, such as berries, coffee, soda, juices, beetroot, curry, etc. If you do periodically consume staining foods and beverages, brush your teeth immediately after the meal.
- Be careful not to damage your veneers: do not use your teeth as tools, avoid very hard or crunchy foods, and wear a mouthguard when playing sports.
- Do not use abrasive toothpaste or over-the-counter whitening solutions on your veneers to avoid damaging the porcelain. Such products are designed for the natural enamel of the teeth, which has a different structure from porcelain.
- Choose a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush for your daily oral hygiene.
- Visit your dentist every 6 months for checkups and professional dental cleanings. Professional cleanings are essential for maintaining your veneers’ initial appearance, as your doctor can remove surface stains created by plaque and tartar.
What if I Have Composite Veneers?
The process of replacing composite veneers is similar to that of replacing porcelain ones. However, composite veneers typically have to be replaced every 4 to 8 years. To prolong the lifespan of your composite veneers, follow the same care recommendations we listed above.
Make an Appointment Today
If you are considering dental veneers or need a replacement for your existing veneers, make an appointment for affordable dental care at Absolute Family Dentistry today. Our veneer specialists use high-quality materials to provide our patients with the best veneers that can instantly boost the appearance of a smile.
