Are Veneers Permanent?

If you want to change the look of your teeth and get a picture-perfect smile, veneers are an excellent way to get amazing results.

One of the most common questions patients have about veneers in McFarland is whether the procedure is permanent.

Getting veneers is a permanent procedure in the sense that it's irreversible. The veneer itself will only last around 10–15 years with the right maintenance.

To remove all confusion from this topic, keep reading this short blog post to understand how veneers work.

The Veneer Placement Process

Veneers are thin shells made from porcelain that attach to the front surface of the natural teeth. To get veneers, a dentist shaves a small amount of tooth enamel to create a rough texture, which will then allow the veneers to bond with your teeth.

Tooth enamel doesn’t heal or grow back, so the procedure is very much permanent. This means that patients cannot go back to their natural smile.

Veneers are therefore a lifelong commitment, and if you want to make further improvements to your smile or the veneers are damaged, they will need to be replaced.

Why Veneers Don’t Last Forever

Veneers are strong and stain-resistant, but lifestyle factors and time can lead to damage eventually.

Veneers can chip or crack, and if they’re older, they may even stain.

Common causes that can damage veneers include:

• Dental health issues like gum disease or cavities, which can even require removing the veneers to treat;
• Eating hard foods or opening packages with your teeth;
• Smoking or using tobacco products;
• Trauma, such as direct blows to the mouth;
• Eating highly staining foods and beverages, etc.

How to Properly Maintain Veneers

Veneers don’t require any special maintenance. The basis for caring for veneers is good oral hygiene and daily brushing and flossing.

This will help protect the veneers and your natural teeth. Since veneers only cover the front surface of them, your teeth can still develop dental problems like cavities if you don’t protect them.

Other tips that can help you maintain veneers include:

• Using a straw to drink stained beverages like coffee or tea
• Brushing your teeth after every meal or drinking a glass of tap water to cleanse the mouth
• Using whitening toothpaste to remove minor stains from veneers and your teeth
• Wearing a mouthguard if you grind your teeth
• Seeing a dentist routinely for dental cleanings and check-ups

Find Out If You’re a Good Candidate for Veneers

If you have generally good oral health and are dealing with cosmetic issues like severe staining, gaps between teeth, or size and shape irregularities, veneers are most likely a great solution for you.

But you’ll know for sure once Dr. Kevin takes a closer look and determines the best treatment plan for you.

To get started, request a visit online!