I’m Wondering If My Veneers Need to Be Replaced; How Can I Tell?

Porcelain veneers can be a fantastic way to transform a smile into a beautiful new form. While veneers are made of high-quality materials that are designed to last, they don’t last forever, and there are some habits that will make you need to replace them sooner than you would otherwise have to. By staying aware of the condition your veneers are in, you can help them last longer as well as know when you should talk to a dentist about replacing them. Here are a few signs that your veneers are ready to be replaced and a few tips for making them last for as long as possible.

How Can I Know If My Porcelain Veneers Are Ready for Replacement?

Dental veneers will eventually need to be replaced, and there are a few ways you can tell that they’re about ready to be retired. With excellent care, they can last for up to twenty years or more, but if they show any of the following signs, consult with your dentist.

• Your veneers are showing damage. Porcelain is an incredibly durable and beautiful material, so if your veneers aren’t looking great, it could be a sign that they’re ready to be replaced. Talk to your dentist if they have visible cracks, chips, or wear.
• The teeth supporting veneers have decayed. While veneers are immune to tooth decay, the teeth that wear them are not. If a tooth with a veneer has decayed, the veneer will have to be removed for the tooth to be treated.
• Poor oral health can make your veneers separate from your gums. If your gums have a severe infection, they can begin to recede. If you can see a gap between your gums and your veneers, it’s time to talk to your dentist about treatment.
• Your veneers were not applied properly. If your veneers are the wrong size, you may experience significant discomfort. If your veneers were not cemented in place properly, they may fall off unexpectedly. In either case, consult with a skilled dentist about repairs.

How Can I Keep My Veneers in Great Shape?

If you expect your veneers to stay beautiful for the long run, you’ll need to take proper care of them. A few tips for keeping your veneers shiny and pretty are:

• Use your teeth only for smiling and eating. Don’t use them to open packages or grasp objects.
• Don’t use tobacco. Smoking and chewing tobacco can stain your teeth and make you more vulnerable to gum disease.
• See your dentist regularly.
• Brush, floss, and use antibacterial mouthwash daily.

Veneers are a big commitment of time, effort, and finances. By taking care of them, you can maximize the return on your investment and maintain a beautiful smile.

About the Author

Dr. Mark Gerome earned his dental doctorate at The Ohio State University College of Dentistry in 1995 and has been selected as a Top Dentist by Cincinnati Magazine since 2012. He is proud to serve as a member of the American Dental Association, the Ohio Dental Association, and the Seattle Study Club. His office in Loveland, OH offers general, restorative, emergency, and cosmetic dentistry such as porcelain veneers. For more information on caring for your veneers, contact his office online or dial (513) 677-1349.