Replacing Worn or Damaged Porcelain Veneers
For patients who are not naturally blessed with a flawless, beautiful smile, porcelain veneers can improve the appearance of the smile by concealing cosmetic blemishes and affixing the teeth with straight, even, and white dental fabrications. Porcelain veneers are an excellent option for many patients because they can address a wide array of cosmetic flaws. Patients who suffer from numerous aesthetic blemishes, such as chips, cracks, discoloration, and even minor misalignment can have all of these flaws masked with the application of porcelain veneers.
Another benefit of porcelain veneers is their strength and durability. However, although porcelain veneers may last up to 15 years, and even longer in some cases, eventually our Memphis patients will require porcelain veneers replacement. Our dentists at the Southern Dental Implant Center can replace damaged and worn out porcelain veneers so that our patients can continue to benefit from the protection and cosmetic improvement that is offered by these dental fabrications.
When Do Porcelain Veneers Need to Be Replaced?
The average lifespan of porcelain veneers is 10 to 15 years, meaning that patients should be able to enjoy a strong, functional, and beautiful smile for many years before it is time to consider porcelain veneers replacement. However, when it comes to determining the need for porcelain veneers treatment, it is much more important to consider the state of the porcelain veneers and the health of the teeth beneath the veneers, as opposed to how long the veneers have been in place. Below are some common reasons for replacing porcelain veneers:
- The porcelain veneers have become thin or worn down
- Porcelain veneers have been chipped, cracked, or damaged
- Porcelain veneers have begun to look gray, dingy, or discolored
- The teeth beneath the veneers require treatment for tooth decay or other dental problems
The Replacement Process
When it comes to replacing porcelain veneers, the treatment is very similar to the initial application process. To start with, the old porcelain veneers will be removed and the bonding composite will be cleaned off of the teeth. It may be necessary to remove an additional, but minimal amount of tooth enamel to ensure there is plenty of space for the new set of veneers. With the teeth prepared, molds will be taken from which to fabricate the porcelain veneers. When these new porcelain veneers are complete they will be bonded to the facial surface of the teeth and the strength and beauty of the smile will be, once again, restored.
Maximizing the Porcelain Veneers Lifespan
Although porcelain veneers are not expected to last a lifetime, there are steps and precautions that can be taken to ensure that porcelain veneers reach their maximum lifespan potential. Below are some helpful tips to preserve the strength and aesthetics of porcelain veneers:
- Brush and floss regularly
- Maintain a schedule of routine dental exams and cleanings
- Avoid harmful oral habits such as nail biting, clenching, and teeth grinding
- Limit the consumption of hard, sticky foods
- Wear a protective mouth guard when participating in athletic activities
Schedule an Appointment
If you are interested in improving the appearance of your smile through the application of porcelain veneers, or have veneers that have become damaged or worn down, let the cosmetic dentists at the Southern Dental Implant Center help. Schedule an appointment at your earliest convenience to learn more about porcelain veneers treatment and how it can help improve the appearance of your smile. We look forward to hearing from you!