Do you have chips, cracks, gaps between your teeth, or minor alignment issues that make you feel insecure about your smile? Porcelain veneers are an excellent way to correct these issues and make you feel more confident in your pearly whites. Though they can last at least 10 years with proper care, there are some tale-tell signs that it’s time to have them replaced with a new set. Read on to learn more about five signs that it’s time to make an appointment with your dentist about replacing veneers.
Sign #1: Your Veneers Are Darkening
The dental cement that’s used to attach veneers to the front surface of teeth will naturally begin to darken over time. Eventually, you may be able to see it through your veneers, which will make them look darker. There isn’t an effective way to lighten the cement, so it’s best to have both it and the veneers replaced to correct this issue.
Sign #2: Your Veneers Are Damaged
Veneers are made from highly durable dental-grade porcelain. Though they’re resistant to damage, that doesn’t mean they’re indestructible. Cracks, chips, and other imperfections can still form in your veneers. A trip to your dentist will allow them to evaluate the damage. If it’s bad enough, they may recommend having them replaced.
Sign #3: Your Veneers Are Rough Around the Edges
Eating, chewing, and grinding food with your teeth can cause your veneers to change shape and become rough around the edges over time. Bad habits like opening packages and bottles with your teeth and chewing on ice can also damage your veneers. Your dentist will be able to determine if they need to be replaced with a new set.
Sign #4: The Supporting Tooth or Teeth Are Compromised
Though veneers cover the front surface of the tooth, that doesn’t mean you no longer have to brush and floss. Cavities can still form on teeth that have veneers if you don’t practice proper oral hygiene. Oral health issues such as this can compromise your veneers and lead to them having to be replaced after the damaged tooth is treated.
Sign #5: Stains Aren’t Lifting from Your Veneers
Porcelain veneers are highly stain-resistant. Even so, eating acidic foods or drinking dark sodas, coffee, red wine, tea, and other highly-pigmented beverages can contribute to discoloration over time. Unlike teeth, veneers can’t be whitened with over-the-counter or professional whitening treatments. Replacing veneers is the only way to get rid of the discoloration and improve the look of your smile.
Veneers may not last forever, but proper oral hygiene and biannual visits to see your dentist will extend their lifespan. Watch out for these five signs that you should see your cosmetic dentist about replacing veneers so your smile can continue to look bright, beautiful, and brag-worthy!
About the Author
Are your porcelain veneers beginning to lose their luster? Tylan Creek Family Dentistry is here to help. They work with a trusted dental lab to make high-quality veneers that make your teeth look brighter and more uniform so your replacement veneers will look just as lovely as the originals. Are you ready to make an appointment with Tylan Creek Family Dentistry or do you want more information on porcelain veneers? If so, call their Powdersville office at (864) 603-2200, their Simpsonville office at (864) 962-6671, their Greenwood office at (864) 407-4455, or visit their website.