Porcelain Veneers
At the practice of Nashville cosmetic dentist Clint Newman, DDS, serving Franklin and surrounding areas, porcelain veneers are one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry options that we offer. However, there are some important facts about porcelain veneers that patients should know before they decide to undergo treatment. Here, you can find important information about porcelain veneers, including their average lifespan and aftercare instructions.
Treatment Is Irreversible Due to the Removal of Tooth Enamel
During the first step of the porcelain veneers treatment process, a small amount of the tooth's natural structure is removed. This is done for a couple of reasons:
- Removing about half a millimeter of tooth enamel prepares the tooth so it can accommodate a veneer
- In cases of minor crowding or a twisted or jutted tooth, additional tooth material may need to be removed to produce a good aesthetic
Once the natural tooth enamel is removed, it will never grow back. For this reason, patients will permanently require some type of dental fabrication or restoration on the tooth. Porcelain veneers are the gold standard when it comes to natural looking dental fabrications. However, if patients decide they want to remove their veneers, they could undergo dental bonding treatment or have dental crowns placed to protect the treated teeth.
Average Lifespan
Since the removal of tooth enamel makes the porcelain veneers treatment irreversible, patients should be aware that the lifespan of porcelain veneers is finite. In general, dentists tell their patients that veneers will last for at least 10 years, provided the patient follows proper aftercare instructions. In truth, porcelain veneers can last for a shorter or longer period of time. The patient's oral health routine and habits, along with the types of foods that they eat, will affect the longevity of the veneers. But patients should expect to undergo treatment again at some point.
Red Wine and Cola Can Stain the Veneers
Just as porcelain veneers will not last forever, nor will they maintain the vibrant appearance they had when they were new. Though porcelain is more stain resistant than the composite material used in cosmetic dental bonding and tooth-colored fillings, like the natural teeth, the porcelain will become discolored over time. Patients may want to limit or eliminate dark colored drinks from their diets to avoid tooth stains; or, patients may want to drink these beverages with a straw to avoid contact with the veneers.
Aftercare Instructions
We urge our Franklin and Nashville porcelain veneers patients to follow our aftercare instructions to prolong the lifespan of their porcelain veneers.
- Brush the teeth twice a day
- Floss daily
- Visit the dentist every six months for an exam and professional dental cleaning
- Do not bite the nails or chew on pens or other hard objects
- Avoid hard foods that may wear down, crack, or chip your veneers
- Avoid sticky or chewy foods that may cause the veneers to become dislodged
- Avoid foods that stain the veneers, as the porcelain will not respond to any type of teeth whitening treatment
If you live in Nashville, Franklin, or surrounding areas, schedule a porcelain veneers consultation at the practice of Clint Newman, DDS.
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