Porcelain Veneers Replacement: Why You May Need New Veneers

Porcelain veneers have produced beautiful smiles for many of our patients in Reston. But at some point, you may have to consider porcelain veneers replacement. Like any product, veneers require routine maintenance.

On average, veneers should last 10 years - or perhaps as long as 30. Each patient is unique. How long veneers last can depend on how well you care for both your teeth and your veneers. Just like a car, veneers that get regular care tend to last longer.

Fortunately, caring for your porcelain veneers is not difficult. It’s the same as caring for your teeth: Brushing, flossing, and getting regular checkups. Patients should also avoid chewing on hard objects such as their fingernails or pen caps.

Common Reasons to Replace Veneers

Though porcelain veneers are durable, they can still be damaged. They can be affected by changes in your teeth and gums:

• A veneer can chip, crack, or become worn down. An accident could chip a tooth or, if patients grind their teeth, they could accidentally damage the veneer. Porcelain is a brittle material so heavy pressure can lead to chips. This is why patients should avoid chewing on pencils or using their teeth as tools.
• A tooth with a veneer can decay. Though a veneer won’t decay, the tooth can. To treat the decaying tooth, the veneer may need to be removed and then reapplied after the original tooth has been treated.
• Poor dental hygiene may cause gums to recede, leaving an unsightly gap between the veneer and your gums. To close the gap, veneers will have to be replaced.

Poor Workmanship Can Lead to the Need for Replacement

Even if there is nothing physically wrong with a veneer, some people are unhappy with how the veneers were initially fitted. This is why it is important to select an experienced cosmetic dentist to avoid problems such as:

• Veneers that are the wrong size. An improperly sized veneer could fit poorly and can cause dental pain.
• Veneers that are improperly applied. Poorly applied veneers may fall off, requiring additional dental work to reattach them.

Cosmetic Reasons to Replace Veneers

There may be cosmetic reasons to change your porcelain veneer. Some patients are bothered by the color of their teeth and would like to whiten them. But whitening will only change the color of the teeth, not the veneers. To have the teeth and veneer colors match, the veneers would have to be replaced.

Ensuring Long-lasting Veneers

How long your veneers last is up to you. Just like your car, veneers require regular TLC. But caring for veneers is not hard. Just care for them like you would your own teeth:

• Don’t use your teeth as tools.
• Avoid foods and drinks, such as coffee and wine, that stain your teeth.
• Avoid tobacco products, which also stains the teeth.
• Visit your dentist regularly for cleanings and check-ups.
• Floss daily.
• Wear a mouth guard if participating in sports.
• Wear a dental guard if you grind your teeth at night.
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
• Do not use an abrasive toothpaste, as it can dull veneers.

Learn More about Porcelain Veneers Replacement

If you are considering replacing your porcelain veneers, please contact us so we can provide answers to your specific questions.