Over the past couple of decades, porcelain veneers have become one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry treatments available today. It takes just seconds to look them up online and see that they’re able to achieve truly amazing results, which is no doubt why they are extremely common among actors and models. If you’re considering getting them for yourself, one big question that is probably on your mind is how long they’ll actually last. If you’re investing in your smile, you want to know all the factors, right? Today, we discuss the average life expectancy of porcelain veneers in Ormond Beach, as well as what you can do to ensure that they last as long as possible.
The Longevity of Porcelain Veneers
A porcelain veneer is an extremely thin shell of dental ceramic that is bonded to the front of a tooth in order to improve its appearance. Each one is completely custom-made by a dental lab based on an impression of a person’s teeth using high-quality dental grade ceramic. So, when talking about how long they’ll last, you’re really talking about how long each component will last: the veneer, the bonding material, and the tooth itself.
Typically, porcelain veneers can be expected to last for about 7-20 years. Why the large gap? Because it all depends on how a person takes care of their teeth. If a person doesn’t have a consistent oral hygiene routine, then it’s very easy for any of the components to break down over time, especially the tooth itself. The element that tends to fail the most is the bonding material, but as we pointed out, it can easily last for up to 20 years if well taken care of.
So, the question now is, if you’re interested in getting veneers, how can you make sure they last for as long as possible?
Taking Care of Veneers
Fortunately, taking care of porcelain veneers really just involves practicing good oral hygiene. Brushing and flossing consistently will keep the supporting teeth healthy as will regularly visiting your dentist in Ormond Beach. These practices will also prevent bacteria from attacking/breaking down the bonding material or the porcelain itself.
Other things you can do involve always wearing a mouthguard when playing sports and avoiding using your teeth as a tool to open packages or bottles. All in all, taking care of your teeth is the best way to ensure that your veneers last.
With porcelain veneers, a beautiful smile is just two appointments away, and with a little bit of help at home and with your dentist, you can make sure your newly enhanced smile will be bolstering your confidence for decades to come.
About the Author
Dr. Andrew Nawrocki is a general, restorative, and cosmetic dentist based in Ormond Beach, FL. Over the course of his career, he has helped thousands of patients achieve and maintain the smiles of their dreams using porcelain veneers, and he just loves the looks on his patients’ faces when they see their new smile for the first time. If you have any other questions about porcelain veneers, he can be contacted through his website.