Dental Veneers are one of the most popular cosmetic tooth restorations offered at 5th and Olive Dental in Seattle. Veneers are thin shells that are placed over cracked, broken, discolored teeth to restore their appearance.
In this article, we’ll explain the benefits and life expectancy of veneers, as well as what impacts the life expectancy of this restoration and what you can do to make them last longer.
Benefits of Dental Veneers
Dental veneers offer several benefits, including:
Improving the appearance of teeth: veneers look natural and can resolve a variety of cosmetic issues, such as cracks, chips, discoloration, gaps, and more
Most are stain-resistant: porcelain is resistant to stains and should remain white for their lifetime- still, avoid over-indulging in dark-colored foods/beverages and practice proper oral hygiene including regular dental visits
The Procedure is well-tolerated: the procedure is not painful, and recovery is quick and smooth- patients can return to normal activities the same day
How Long Do Veneers Last?
Porcelain veneers can last up to 15 years with proper care and maintenance. Composite resin veneers, on the other hand, typically last 5 to 7 years.
There are several things that impact the life expectancy of veneers. First of all, your oral health and habits are important. If you do not properly care for your veneers with good oral hygiene, including dental visits every 6 months, they will not last very long.
It is important to note that porcelain veneers look more like natural teeth than composite resin. However, if a porcelain veneer is damaged, replacement is required- but if composite resin is damaged, it can be repaired.
How to Maximize the Life Expectancy of Dental Veneers?
There are several things you can do to maximize the life expectancy of your dental veneers, such as:
Brush and floss daily and visit the dentist regularly. Make sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. You should avoid whitening products, as they can damage the veneers.
Avoid biting into hard, tough, or crunchy foods. Instead, cut these foods into smaller pieces and chew them with your back teeth. Finally, while porcelain is resistant to stains, you should avoid dark-colored foods and drinks, as they can cause staining over time.
Avoid grinding your teeth. If you tend to grind your teeth at night, speak with the dentist about getting a mouthguard. This will protect your restorations and make them last longer. If you clench your jaw and grind your teeth during the day, work on managing your stress levels to stop this habit.
Wear a mouthguard for sports. If you play sports, make sure to wear a mouthguard to protect your restorations.
How Much Do Dental Veneers Cost?
According to the American Dental Association, dental veneers fall into the category of cosmetic dentistry. This means that dental insurance will typically not cover the cost. That being said, porcelain veneers typically cost a minimum of $925 per tooth and as much as $2,500 per tooth. However, they usually last up to 15 years, if cared for as instructed.
Composite veneers are usually more cost-effective at $250 to $1,500 per tooth. However, they do not last as long as porcelain. Typically, composite veneers last approximately 5 to 7 years with proper care and maintenance.
The cost is impacted by the type of veneer you choose, the experience and expertise of the dentist, and the location of the clinic.
Are You Interested in Dental Veneers?
If you believe you might be interested in dental veneers, schedule your consultation with Dr. Jiyon or Dr. Sang today. We look forward to helping you achieve the smile you’ve always dreamed of.
Dental Veneers FAQs
The team at 5th and Olive Dental understands that it’s common to have questions when it comes to dental procedures. We will be happy to discuss any questions or concerns that you might have. Below, we’ve answered a few of the most common questions we get when it comes to dental veneers.
What types of veneers are available?
There are several types of dental veneers. Traditional veneers come in porcelain or composite resin. These are custom-made to fit your teeth, so they look natural.
You can also get instant veneers, which are more of a one-size-fits-all. Still, another option is temporary veneers, which are designed to be worn for a short time such as for an event.
What is the process for getting veneers?
Two visits are required for porcelain dental veneers. During the first appointment, we will complete a thorough exam to determine if you are a good candidate for veneers. If so, we will remove a small amount of enamel off of the affected teeth. Then, we’ll take impressions of your teeth to use in the creation of your veneers. Typically, it takes a few weeks to fabricate the veneers. Temporary veneers will be placed to protect the teeth while you wait.
Once the veneers are returned, we schedule placement. We start by removing temporary veneers. Then, we will verify the shape, color, and fit before bonding them in place. We roughen the surface of the teeth, which creates a better bonding surface. Then, we apply dental cement and secure the veneers in place, check your bite, and make any necessary adjustments.
There is no recovery period required for veneers. You can return to your normal activities the same day.
Are there any risks associated with veneers?
Complications of dental veneers are uncommon- but usually develop during recovery, not the procedure itself.
Allergic reaction to anesthesia
Breaking/cracking/loss of veneers
Increased tooth sensitivity due to enamel removal
Tooth staining due to dental cement
Tooth infection
It’s important to note that once veneers are placed, the color cannot be changed. This means that all other restorative work, such as whitening, should be done first before choosing the color of your veneers.
What are the signs that a veneer needs to be replaced?
There are several signs that your dental veneer may need to be replaced:
Darkening: veneers are secured to the teeth with dental cement, which will darken over time.
Chips/Cracks: while durable, porcelain veneers will chip/crack over time- especially if you eat hard foods or use your teeth as tools
Decay under veneer: veneers are artificial, so the restoration will not decay- but the natural tooth under it can if not properly cared for
Separation from gums: improper oral hygiene can impact gum health, which can cause the gums and veneers to separate
Do you still have to brush veneers?
Yes, dental veneers still need to be brushed. Ideally, you should be using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a non-abrasive toothpaste to avoid causing damage.
