When you look in the mirror and smile, do you like what you see? Do chipped, broken, stained, or misaligned teeth leave you wondering what cosmetic dentistry options are available? If so, dental veneers may be a viable option to improve your smile’s aesthetic beauty and make you look forward to taking selfies and going out with friends again.
Please keep reading to learn everything you need to know about dental veneers, including how long they last and how to keep them looking their best for as long as possible.
What Are Dental Veneers?
Your Downey, CA, dentist can discuss your cosmetic treatment options during your initial consultation. If veneers are a good choice for you, they can create a treatment plan to fit your budget and timeline.
During your consultation, your dentist will explain that veneers are custom-made, thin shells of composite or porcelain placed on the front sides of your teeth. They will match the shape and color of your other teeth, giving you aesthetically pleasing results.
The two main types of veneers include:
- Composite resin veneers — Your dentist can place tooth-colored composite resin onto your teeth to conceal and correct various cosmetic issues. Composite veneers require only minor tooth preparation and are an economical way to enhance your smile’s appearance, often in only one dental visit.
- Porcelain veneers — For a more permanent cosmetic solution, porcelain veneers can give you the natural look you want. Because porcelain resists stains and mimics your teeth’s light-reflecting properties, they are a popular choice for anyone who wants a movie star smile.
The Dental Veneers Process
Here’s what you can expect from the dental veneers process:
- Consultation — The first step involves meeting with your dentist to discuss your smile goals, the types of veneers, and whether veneers are right for you. You will also look at a shade guide and choose the best color for your new smile.
- Tooth preparation — The next step involves preparing your teeth for veneers. Your dentist will remove a small amount of tooth enamel so your smile will look natural once your treatment is complete. The tooth enamel they remove will depend on whether you choose composite resin or porcelain veneers.
- Impressions — Your dentist will take impressions of your teeth to create your custom porcelain veneers. If necessary, they will place temporary veneers until your more permanent veneers are ready.
- Bonding — The final step of the veneers process involves bonding your veneers to your natural teeth. Using a strong dental cement, your dentist will attach your new veneers.
How Long Do Veneers Last?
Once you’ve learned about the different types of veneers, you’ll naturally want to know how long dental veneers will keep your smile looking beautiful. The following factors can affect your veneers and their longevity:
- Materials — Whether you choose composite resin or porcelain, your veneers will last many years. However, porcelain veneers are designed to last longer than composite resin veneers.
- Quality — It's essential to choose an experienced dentist to place your veneers and provide long-term dental treatment. At Christian Yang, DDS, Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, our team has been helping patients achieve their dream smiles for many years.
- Oral hygiene — Caring for your dental veneers is crucial to their longevity. Plaque and tartar buildup around your veneers can cause dental issues, so you must brush your teeth twice daily and floss once to keep your natural teeth and veneers looking their best.
- Lifestyle — You could damage your veneers if you bite your nails, use your teeth as a tool, or consistently bite down on hard and crunchy foods. Also, certain staining substances such as coffee, tea, wine, and tobacco can dull your smile’s appearance and affect their longevity. If you participate in certain sports, you may need to wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth.
- Bruxism — Grinding and clenching your teeth can damage your veneers. If you have bruxism, we can recommend a mouthguard or nightguard to help you avoid this wear and tear on your veneers.
- Maintenance — Regular visits to our dental office can keep your teeth and gums healthy and allow us to detect any dental issues before they worsen. We recommend a dental exam and professional cleaning every six months to keep your smile healthy and happy.
- Aging — Even if you diligently care for your veneers, they will succumb to natural wear and tear as you age. Once the bond between your natural teeth and veneers weakens, you may need to replace them.
Extending the Life of Your New Smile
There are several things you can do to extend the life of your veneers and keep your smile looking beautiful for many years, including the following:
- Avoid hard and sticky foods — Try not to bite down on hard or sticky foods, as this can chip or break your veneers. You can also cut your food into smaller pieces to prevent harm to your smile.
- Avoid hard objects — Do not bite your nails or chew on pens, ice, or other objects, as these can chip or break your veneers.
- Avoid staining drinks — Limit your consumption of coffee, tea, and red wine. Rinse your mouth after you drink these beverages to keep your teeth as white as possible.
- Practice good oral hygiene — Brushing and flossing daily and visiting your dentist twice a year for regular checkups will keep your teeth and gums healthy.
- Protect your teeth — When playing contact sports, or if you grind your teeth at night, wear a mouthguard or nightguard to protect your teeth.
- Quit smoking — Smoking can affect your oral and overall health, so it’s best to quit to avoid staining your veneers.
Replacing Your Veneers
If the time comes and you need to replace your veneers, your dentist can discuss the process with you. Often, the replacement process is similar to the original method. Once your veneers are removed, we can take impressions of your teeth and create new veneers, restoring your smile to its former beauty.
Need More Information about Veneers in Downey, CA?
Dental veneers are an extremely popular cosmetic option to improve your smile’s appearance and increase your self-confidence. Although they aren’t a permanent solution, you can expect them to last many years, especially if you properly care for and maintain them. Once you understand how proper care can increase their longevity, you can take the appropriate measures to protect the investment in your smile.
When you’re ready to take the first step toward loving your smile again, our dental team will happily assist you. Contact our dental office at (562) 869-4713 to get started today!
We look forward to hearing from you.
