Protecting Dental Veneers – Top Care Tips
Porcelain and composite veneers are a remarkably effective way to improve the appearance of your teeth. Providing you follow the care instructions provided by your dentist, you can expect dental veneers to last anywhere from 5-10 years and potentially even longer. Porcelain veneers are typically the most durable option, with an average lifespan of 10-15 years. No matter which type of dental veneers you opt for, here are our top tips for extending their life and maintaining a beautiful smile.
How do Dental Veneers Work?
If you’re someone who is not happy with the appearance of your smile, rest assured that you are not alone. The natural ageing process and lifestyle factors can all take their toll, particularly when it comes to enamel erosion. A diet high in sugar and acidic beverages can cause excessive wear to the protective layer of tooth enamel, which will ultimately result in a changed smile.
Sydney Park Dental have a wealth of experience in cosmetic treatments including dental veneers. An effective treatment for reinvigorating your smile, porcelain veneers consist of a thin layer of porcelain or composite material which is placed over the tooth and bonded using dental cement. This not only hides any minor cracks, it also results in a brighter/whiter smile and adds an additional layer of protection against damage to the tooths surface.
Maintaining Your Dental Veneers
Unlike natural tooth enamel, veneers are not susceptible to decay or staining from food and beverages. It is important to note that dental veneers are a permanent treatment option and following a good maintenance routine will help to extend the life of your veneers.
Here are our top tips for dental veneer aftercare.
- Brush and Floss Daily – whilst dental veneers are not susceptible to decay, it is still important to brush and floss daily in order to maintain good oral hygiene and protect the tooth structure.
- Avoid excessive brushing – brushing too aggressively is a contributing factor to gum recession, which can expose the junction between the veneer and the teeth. This may ultimately result in the need to replace your veneers.
- Attend Regular Check-ups – by attending regular dentist visits, any issues with your veneers can be identified and treated in the early stages. This will avoid costly or time-consuming complications and ensure you get the maximum benefit out of your investment. Professional cleaning will also help to remove plaque before it has a chance to build up in difficult to reach areas.
- Avoid hard foods – try to minimise consumption of hard foods such as boiled lollies and ice as these items can cause damage to dental veneers.
- Limit Alcohol Consumption – refraining from or reducing your alcohol intake will not only benefit your general wellbeing, it may also increase the lifespan of your veneers. Alcohol is known to weaken the dental cement used to affix veneers, which can make them more susceptible to damage.
Can Dental Veneers be Repaired?
Looking after veneers is a straightforward process, but in some cases damage may still occur. Whilst composite veneers are a more cost-effective option, they are not as durable or long lasting as porcelain veneers. However, it is important to note that, composite veneers can be repaired easily, whereas porcelain veneers will typically need to be replaced.
Book an Appointment for Dental Veneers at Sydney Park Dental
If you’ve been considering dental veneers or have any additional questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to book an appointment at Sydney Park Dental today. We are proud to provide a wide range of cosmetic dentistry services which can restore confidence in your smile.
Call today on 02 8084 7170 or book an appointment online.