Understanding, Caring for, and Replacing Dental Veneers
Like natural teeth, dental veneers are susceptible to breakage or cracking. Despite shell's durability, they are not impervious to damage and can be compromised by excessive force or trauma.
Porcelain veneers act as protective shields for your natural teeth, requiring the removal of a thin layer of enamel during the application process to ensure a precise fit.
Additionally, any damage to the veneers' surfaces can lead to decay and harm the underlying natural teeth. Therefore, recognizing the importance of proper care and maintenance is crucial to upholding their integrity and safeguarding oral health.
Veneers can Crack, Chip, Break
If your porcelain veneers have chips or cracks, replacing them is generally recommended rather than attempting to repair them. Because cracks can weaken the veneers' structure, replacing them is better than trying to fix them.
Furthermore, leaving cracks untreated can allow bacteria to penetrate the tooth core, leading to decay and other dental problems. By replacing the damaged veneers, you can ensure your teeth remain protected and your smile looks its best.
Cosmetically, porcelain veneers can do better than Inlay and Onlay(partial crown) and cost less than dental crowns. They are a more conservative dental restoration because we only need to remove a little enamel to accommodate a veneer.
The use of porcelain for veneers tends to yield a result that looks more like a natural tooth and lasts longer than resin. However, even the most durable veneers can chip or break like natural teeth. Veneers generally last between 7 and 15 years. After this time, the dental veneers would need to be replaced.
Veneers are usually recommended to be replaced rather than repaired
While veneers are pretty strong and breakage is uncommon, it can still occur. We received a call from a highly skilled dental Lab Technician accredited by AACD in another state. He was looking for a cosmetic dentist to replace his niece Paulette's veneers, which were too short and kept breaking.
Dental contouring, a process often used to smooth the tiny tips of veneer porcelain, can help improve the appearance of veneers. However, it's important to note that broken or cracked veneers cannot be repaired through this method, and the dental laboratory must create a new veneer.
We gave her a smile makeover with porcelain veneers to make her smile perfect for her wedding. After the procedure, she was overjoyed and mentioned that she would have the most beautiful smile at her wedding ceremony, all thanks to the transformative work of a skilled cosmetic dentist!
