Are you thinking about getting veneers but are unsure of the facts? If you are wondering how long dental veneers last or how to care for them, we detail everything you need to know here by answering a few common questions.
Can you veneer a healthy tooth?
You can veneer natural teeth. However, it is recommended that you do not do this unless you are unhappy with the way the tooth looks (colour or shape etc.)
When a tooth is veneered, it has a border around the edge. If bacteria get under the veneer, it can cause decay, which is unnecessary if the tooth is perfectly healthy. Also, veneers require a slight reduction of the natural tooth. It is best to leave natural healthy teeth alone for these reasons unless you are concerned about how they look.
However, if the appearance of an otherwise healthy tooth is causing you to feel insecure or anxious, the pros of veneering a natural tooth may outweigh the cons.
Are veneers suitable for those with gum disease?
Dental specialists will want to assess the overall oral health and particularly the gum health of a patient before fitting veneers. Gum disease often means poor overall oral health, swollen and bleeding gums and loose teeth.
Veneers could irritate gum disease and cause further issues. For this reason, dentists require a good level of oral care and healthy gums before considering veneers.
Are veneers temporary or permanent?
Dental veneers are considered a permanent treatment. They are rarely removed and durable, so veneers are never fitted as a temporary fixture. They can last five to fifteen years, depending on the type of veneer and patient lifestyle.
Can veneers break?
Veneers can crack or chip. Porcelain veneers are particularly prone to cracking, often occurring when they are bashed against other porcelain items such as cups. However, if the patient is careful in this area, there is no reason to think veneers will break.
How do I clean veneers?
Cleaning dental veneers is the same as cleaning regular teeth. Brush twice daily with a good quality brush and paste, floss every day and use mouth wash. You should also avoid acid food and drink that may stain the veneers and avoid drinking alcohol or smoking tobacco as these things are bad for oral health as well as general health.
Bourne End Dental offer a range of specialist restorative dental treatments. Contact us to find out more on 01628 523353.
