Frequently Asked Questions
If your veneers are chipping, or you have decay on your tooth structure it is time to replace your veneers. Usually, it is your own tooth structure that changes, not the porcelain veneer.
You become as familiar with your veneers as you do your natural teeth. When something about them changes, you can't help but notice. Not all veneers are the same quality. Some of the obvious signs that you should replace a veneer include visible cracks, chips, or other types of damage. If a veneer is lifting away from the tooth surface, it needs to be replaced sooner rather than later to prevent decay from developing underneath it. Severe gum recession that exposes root structure is also a reason to replace an existing veneer, as is staining or discoloration.
Porcelain veneers tend to last longer than composite veneers. If you have porcelain veneers and you take good care of your teeth, you can expect them to last 10 to 20 years or longer. If you have composite veneers and take good care of your teeth, these veneers may last from four to 10 years.
Porcelain veneers are naturally stain-resistant. Pigment from foods and beverages cannot stick to this surface. That said, there are a few reasons that a veneer may turn colors. Sometimes, the cement that bonds a veneer to a tooth becomes stained. This underlying discoloration can show through the veneer because it is very thin. Also, while porcelain is stain-resistant, it is not scratch-resistant. If micro-scratches occur on veneers, tiny particles from foods and beverages can get trapped in the grooves. This changes the way that light reflects off the porcelain material, darkening the radiance of your smile. To prevent micro-scratches, brush carefully using nonabrasive toothpaste. Finally, if your veneers are more than a decade old, the material used to fabricate them may not be as high-quality as the material that is used today. The aging of the veneers may result in discoloration.
If your veneers have changed color, you are a candidate for replacement.
Provided that your tooth structure is healthy, you can have veneers replaced several times. The experienced dentists at Pound Ridge Cosmetic Dentistry perform a thorough consultation and examination before recommending treatment to address your concerns.
Though not impossible, it is rare for a veneer to break. Several factors may influence this risk. One is a habit of biting or chewing objects, especially those that are hard. If you have veneers, you should diligently avoid biting your nails, pen caps, ice, and other objects. You should not open packages with your teeth or tear into any food. The torque that is placed on veneers in such an instance can degrade the bond between the veneer and the tooth.
The process to replace old veneers with new ones is very similar to the original veneer procedure. First, your dentist removes your existing veneer or veneers. They then examine the health of the tooth to ensure there is no decay that requires repair. They will also examine your gums, observing for recession that requires treatment or an extended new veneer. If your teeth and gums are in good condition, your dentist will prepare the teeth for new veneers, take impressions, and place temporaries for you to wear until your new veneers are ready for bonding.
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I have been to Dr Helaine Smith on a couple of occassions for dental treatment and she has been amazing . She is always so very kind and friendly I really feel that I am visiting a good friend ! I highly recommend her for her professionalism and competency.
─ L.A.
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