There are different dental treatments available if you are looking for an effective way to brighten up your smile. In Singapore, veneers (https://dennistan.com.sg/veneers/) is a popular choice for making the teeth aesthetically pleasing. It can cover chips, discoloration, gaps, and even misalignment. While veneers can provide a quick fix and long-term results in enhancing your teeth, they are not permanent. There will come a time that you will need to replace them. This article will serve as your guide on how veneers work, how to properly take care of them, and identifying key signs that it is time to get a new set.
What are dental veneers?
Veneers are a type of dental device made from composite resin or porcelain that are shaped thinly into customised shells that mimic the surface of the teeth. Veneers are placed over the front of the teeth to enhance their appearance. If you want your veneers to look more natural and more resistant to staining, then those crafted from porcelain are perfect for you. However, if your budget is a bit limited, then go for the more affordable choice, which is composite veneers.
Veneers can improve these teeth flaws:
- Broken or chipped teeth
- Crooked teeth
- Discolouration or stained teeth
- Gaps in between teeth
- Undesirable shape or size of teeth
To attach the veneers, a small part of the tooth’s enamel is removed and a special dental adhesive is used to secure it in its proper position.
How long do veneers last?
The longevity of veneers highly depends on different factors. These include the materials used in making the device, how well you look after them, and your oral health as a whole. The average lifespan of veneers is:
- Between 10 to 15 years or longer with the right care for porcelain veneers
- Between 5 to 7 years for composite resin veneers
While they are very durable, veneers are not indestructible. They can still be exposed to damage, discolouration, and signs of wear, which can influence their aesthetic appearance and purpose.
When should your veneers be replaced?
Knowing when to replace your veneers helps in ensuring that the remaining teeth underneath get the timely treatment that they need to keep them healthy. Look out for these signs and schedule your veneer replacement in Singapore as soon as possible:
1. Changes in your jaw alignment or bite
A sure way to tell that your veneers need to be changed is when your bite or jaw is no longer aligned. This may be due to wear and tear on the teeth surrounding your veneers or maybe a loss of tooth. You may experience bruxism (tooth grinding), pain, or visible damage to your veneers when this happens. A new set of veneers will restore your teeth’s alignment and proper function, resulting in lesser complications.
2. Damage or decay to the tooth beneath the veneers
The main purpose of veneers is to protect the surface or front of the teeth. However, it cannot prevent the rest of the natural teeth from decaying or getting damaged. Teeth or gums that are unhealthy will need treatment and your veneer will have to be removed and replaced.
Experiencing any discomfort in your teeth or gums, like inflammation, pain, or sensitivity can be an indication of an underlying condition that needs urgent dental intervention.
3. Detachment or loosening
While it is a rare occurrence, veneers that become loose or detached from the teeth is not inevitable. Do not try to attach a veneer that has become loose. Keep your veneer and immediately schedule a dental appointment with your dentist. During your visit, your dentist will assess if the veneer can be placed back or if a new one is required.
4. Discolouration or staining
Porcelain veneers are made from stain-resistant material, so it is expected that they do not stain easily. However, the dental adhesive used to bond it and the teeth underneath the veneers can discolour through the course of time. Composite veneers are more prone to staining from drinks like coffee, red wine, and tea. Smoking can also cause veneers to tarnish.
5. Receding gums
Our gums are prone to recede slightly when we grow older. This is a common and natural phenomenon, which cannot be avoided. However, if your gums recede severely, making the edges of your veneers visible, uneven or causing a gap between the gumline and shell, then it is proof that a replacement must be done.
6. Visible wear and tear
Your veneers, like your natural teeth, can be worn out through the years due to the same daily stresses of chewing, grinding and consuming different foods and beverages. With the passage of time, you may observe the following:
- Appearance that looks dull and worn
- Chips or cracks on the surface of the veneer
- Contours that are uneven
- Rough edges
Consult with your dentist about having your veneers replaced when you see these
noticeable flaws.
What happens during a veneer replacement?
The original placement and veneer replacement follow a similar procedure.
- First, you undergo an evaluation where your dentist will assess the health of your underlying teeth and the condition of your current veneers.
- Second, your old veneers are removed carefully, so as not to damage the natural structure of teeth.
- Third, a digital scan of your natural teeth is taken. This will be used to make a mold for your new set of veneers.
- Fourth, the new veneers are produced in a dental lab, following your desired outcome.
- Last, once your veneers are ready, your dentist will attach them to your teeth using a strong dental adhesive.
There may be instances where your dentist may recommend temporary veneers to be used while waiting for your new set to arrive.
What are some tips to extend the lifespan of your veneers?
Proper oral care and regular visits to your dentist are essential to ensure that your veneers can function properly and reach the number of years they are expected to last. Practice these tips to extend the lifespan of your veneers:
- Avoid biting hard objects that can damage your veneers
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day using a non-abrasive toothpaste
- Make it a habit to floss your teeth on a daily basis to remove debris and remove plaque
- Minimise consuming food and drinks that can stain your veneers, especially when they are made from composite material
- Schedule a regular appointment with your dentist twice a year to have your teeth checked and cleaned
- Use a mouthguard when you sleep if you have been diagnosed with bruxism