Tips for Making Your Veneers Last

Veneers can almost seem magical. You may go into your appointment with jagged, mismatched teeth you feel self-conscious about and leave with near perfect teeth and a smile you can’t wait to reveal. 

But as with many cosmetic treatments, veneers don’t last forever. Thankfully, you can take steps to increase their lifespan.

At Vasona Family Dentistry in Los Gatos, California, Dr. Neda Zadeh and her team are pleased to offer veneers that look equally healthy, vibrant, and natural. Read on to learn more about these popular devices, including ways to make them last.

Veneers 101

Veneers are basically thin shells of material that replace the top layer of your teeth except for molars. Whether you have a single discolored tooth you wish to cover or many teeth with chips, cracks, or stains, veneers can refresh your smile by concealing issues you’re bothered by.

The process usually involves grinding down the structure of the tooth or teeth you wish to be enhanced, and sometimes doing away with some of the tooth beyond just the enamel. Dr. Zadeh then creates a mold of your teeth to send to a lab, where your custom veneers are created.

About a week or two after that when your veneers are back from the lab, Dr. Zadeh and her team thoroughly clean your teeth and grind the surface to create a slightly rougher texture. Then Dr. Zadeh uses dental cement to bind the veneers to your teeth and applies a special UV light for hardening. 

Increasing the lifespan of veneers

Veneers usually last about 5-10 years, depending on a range of factors, from your lifestyle and hygiene habits to the type of veneers you have. If you get veneers at our office, you can expect to go 10-15 years without needing replacements.

Ways to increase the lifespan of your veneers include:

• Avoid using your teeth as tools, such as to rip packages open
• Go into the installation process with healthy, well-cared for teeth
• Choose porcelain or no-prep veneers over composite veneers
• Brush your teeth well at least twice daily 
• Floss well at least once daily
• Practice caution when you eat hard foods, such as hard candy or nuts
• Schedule a dental cleaning every six months
• Wear mouth protection during contact sports
• Wear a nightguard if you tend to grind your teeth

One added benefit of routine dental exams and cleanings is our ability to monitor your veneers to make sure you’re caring for them properly, as well as your overall dental health. We can also let you know when it seems time for replacements. 

To learn more about veneers or to find out if you’re a good candidate, call us at Vasona Family Dentistry or book a consultation via our website today. We would love to help you create the smile you desire and support you in making it last.