When Should Veneers Be Replaced?

When Should Veneers Be Replaced from Metro Smiles Dental in Forest Hills, NYDental veneers can transform a smile. The American Dental Association defines these as "thin, custom-made shells crafted of tooth-colored materials designed to cover the front side of teeth." These restorations are typically made of porcelain or resin and can last for many years. There are some situations in which veneers need to be replaced; most of these occur as a result of normal wear and tear on the teeth. Patients should seek dental care when noticing certain things about existing restorations.

Situations in which veneers should be replaced

Because some tooth structure is removed during the veneer procedure, a patient must keep a crown or veneer on the tooth for life. Cosmetic restorations can be replaced when the patient no longer likes the shade of the teeth. They should also be replaced if broken or causing decay in the tooth.

Excessive stains

While porcelain veneers tend to resist staining more than resin ones, both kinds can become discolored over time. If a patient uses tobacco or drinks beverages such as coffee, tea, and red wine, the teeth become stained faster.

Teeth whitening products can be used on a patient's natural enamel to change the shade of the tooth. However, this does not work with veneers. The bleaching material will etch the surface of the porcelain or resin and damage it. Therefore, if a patient wants to change the shade of the teeth, replacement is the only choice.

Cracks or breaks

Biting into hard foods can cause microcracks in a veneer over time. Eventually, the teeth begin looking noticeably cracked from chronic wear. This type of restoration can become weakened over time and break or chip off. This is much more common with resin (composite) veneers, but it can happen with porcelain ones as well.

When a break happens, the dentist usually advises the replacement of one or all the veneers. When coupled with a patient's dislike of the shade of the teeth, replacement becomes the logical option.

Dental decay

When a patient chooses to get veneers placed on the teeth, commitment to good oral hygiene is paramount. The margins around these restorations can become plaque traps if not cleaned properly. When this happens, cavities begin to form under the veneers. This can lead to a loss of a tooth if not treated promptly.

If a dentist detects a cavity under this type of restoration, they will likely recommend replacement. The existing veneer is taken off, the cavity is cleaned out, and a new restoration is placed on the tooth.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Veneers and Dental Laminates in Forest Hills, NY

Conclusion

For patients wanting to change the size, shape, or shade of the teeth, veneers can be a worthy treatment to consider. When a patient does choose this route, it is important to know when replacement is needed. A healthy, beautiful smile can be treasured for years to come. Patients interested in this cosmetic procedure should discuss it with a dentist to see if it is the right option.

Request an appointment or call Metro Smiles Dental at 718-841-9591 for an appointment in our Forest Hills office.

Related Posts

Smile Makeover With Porcelain Versus Composite Veneers

Patients interested in cosmetic dental treatment may consider a smile makeover. During this procedure, a dentist transforms a patient's smile using restorations. People who want to improve certain aspects of their smiles, such as misshapen teeth, slightly crooked teeth, chipped teeth, discolored teeth, and gaps in between their teeth, may want to consider veneers. These…

How To Prevent Stains On Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are thin, artificial caps for your natural teeth. They can cover up stained teeth or coat over tooth chips or discolored spots. Dentists sometimes use them to reshape and fix the appearance of crooked, crowded, or overly-spacious smiles.Many people choose veneers because they offer beautiful and durable results without requiring invasive procedures. The…

Using Veneers To Close Gaps Between Teeth

People who are uncomfortable about small gaps between their teeth can use veneers to erase the extra spaces and bring uniformity back to their mouth. Cosmetic dentistry can restore both function and appearance to teeth when trauma, loss, or discoloring has occurred. Rather than avoiding social interaction, family pictures, or the occasional selfie, look into…