Woodinville Porcelain Veneers Replacement

Here at Signature Smiles in Woodinville, we've achieved excellent results thanks to porcelain veneers, giving patients full smile makeovers with excellent results. Chips, cracks, stains, gaps—there is little that porcelain veneers can't handle.

Even though they're durable and versatile, porcelain veneers do not last forever. Let's consider their lifespan and what the replacement process is like for porcelain veneers.

The Lifespan of Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers tend to have a lifespan of about 10 to 15 years. There are a number of different factors that may affect overall veneers lifespan, but this timeframe tends to be the average for most dental patients who receive veneers.

What causes damage to porcelain veneers?

The most common cause of damage to porcelain veneers is the natural wear and tear that affects the teeth. Over time, years of normal biting and chewing take their toll on the veneers. The same is actually true of your natural teeth. With time, the veneers wear down and will require replacement.

In addition to natural wear and tear, injuries to the mouth and blows to the mouth can both lead to damaged veneers. This is particularly of concern for people who play contact sports or engage in combat sports, or if you are involved in an occupation in which injury to the face may occur. Car accidents, bike accidents, assaults, and other kinds of physical injuries can also lead to damage to the porcelain veneers and your natural teeth as well.

Other Reasons for Porcelain Veneer Replacement

In addition to wear and tear or sudden injuries to the mouth, porcelain veneers may need to be replaced because of tooth decay around the veneer. While the veneer itself is not affected by oral bacteria, the tooth structure around it is still subject to harm and damage. In order to properly treat the tooth decay, the porcelain veneer will need to be removed.

What to Expect During the Porcelain Veneers Replacement Process

The replacement process for porcelain veneers is very similar to the initial placement of a porcelain veneer. The old veneer is carefully removed and the tooth structure beneath it is cleaned. It's then necessary to prep the tooth again. This will involve the removal of a very small amount of tooth structure. An impression is taken of the prepped tooth, from which the new porcelain veneer will be crafted.

When the new veneer is created, it is sent to the practice and the patient returns to have the replacement veneer fixed in position. A final check for fit is done to ensure the best possible results.

How to Prolong the Life of Your Porcelain Veneers

To prolong the life of your porcelain veneers, the following tips may be helpful:

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day
• Floss your teeth every night
• Do not chew on inedible objects (e.g., fingernails, pen caps, drinking straws)
• Wear mouth protection for sports and when applicable
• Visit your dentist for regular checkups

Contact Signature Smiles

For more information about your options for advanced dental care, be sure to contact our cosmetic and restorative dentistry center today. We at Signature Smiles looks forward to discussing these matters with you in greater detail and helping you make the best decisions possible with regard to your overall dental health and wellness.