Porcelain veneers can completely transform your smile’s appearance by addressing imperfections in your smile and making dental flaws a distant memory. With proper care and maintenance, porcelain veneers can last well over a decade before they need to be replaced. 

Do you want to know the secret for making veneers last upwards of 20 years? Our veneer experts share their advice for maintaining your new smile. 

The average lifespan of a dental veneer is roughly ten years. With proper care and maintenance, that time frame can be lengthened, and your veneers may last you up to 20 years. Having dental veneers applied the first time properly will save you time and money in the future. Work with a cosmetic dentist that you trust to ensure that your smile looks fantastic from the start.

Despite best efforts, if you do not take proper care of your teeth, your dental veneers will not last for as long as they should. To help keep your investment looking spectacular for as long as possible, follow these tips:

Do not attempt to open things with your teeth, or bite on non-food items such as pen caps or fingernails. Doing so can lead to veneers that end up chipping or cracking from pressure. 

Tobacco products are known to stain your teeth, and veneers are no exception. Avoid tobacco products to keep your sparkling white veneers from turning yellow. 

Red pasta sauce, berries, soft drinks, coffee, tea, and wine are all commonly known offenders for leaving behind surface stains on your teeth. Moderation is the key to keeping your smile bright, and rinsing your mouth with water after indulging in dark-colored foods and beverages is always recommended. 

Teeth that are covered with veneers still require daily flossing. Routine flossing helps to keep your gums in great shape and can protect against gum disease, which can create unwanted gaps between your gums and your veneers. 

Whether you’re an active sports player or a habitual teeth grinder at night, wearing a dental guard can help to prevent the erosion of the porcelain in your veneers. Dental guards are a great way to help keep your veneers in great shape.

A soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste will help to clean your veneers gently without wearing away the porcelain. Use the right oral hygiene tools to clean your veneers, and they will be much more likely to last. 

When your veneers do eventually wear out, they will need to be replaced. During the initial installation, your dentist had to remove enamel from your natural teeth so that the veneers could be properly attached to each tooth. The veneer now takes the place of your natural tooth enamel, meaning there is no option for you to have them permanently removed. 

Replacing existing veneers is a very similar process to your initial installation. The old bonding agent will be filed away, and a new mold of your teeth will be taken. A new veneer will then be created and bonded back to your teeth, leaving you with a fresh smile and restored confidence. 

Being able to rely on a knowledgable and experienced dentist that you can trust is one of the best ways to ensure that your dental veneers will last for as long as possible. At Tompkins Dental, we take special care of every patient to ensure that you love your new smile from the first moment you see it. Dental veneers are an investment in yourself, so don’t attempt to save money by taking a risk and not having them installed properly. Call us today to schedule a veneer consultation appointment with Tompkins Dental.