If you’ve been considering getting dental veneers, you’re probably wondering how long they last. Veneers are permanent, however you will likely need a new set every 10–15 years.
When speaking with your oral care team during your dental exam, you can bring up the fact that you are interested in veneers, and the dental team will go over the process and judge from your exam and medical history whether or not you are a good candidate for cosmetic dental surgery.
What Are Veneers?
Veneers are thin shells that go on the front of your teeth, and they can help straighten and brighten your smile.
There are two main types of veneers: porcelain and composite resin.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are wafer-thin, custom-crafted shells made from durable, dental-grade porcelain and are meticulously bonded to the front surface of your teeth. They can effectively address various aesthetic concerns, such as discolouration, chips, gaps, or misaligned teeth.
Composite Resin
Composite resin veneers are made from a tooth-coloured composite resin material that is applied and molded directly onto the surface of your teeth. They're an ideal option for those with minor aesthetic concerns, such as chipped, discoloured, or slightly misaligned teeth.
Benefits of Veneers
There are many benefits to getting a set of veneers, including:
- Fixing gaps in existing teeth
- Fixing chipped teeth
- Helping improve damage due to grinding teeth
- Repairing broken teeth
- Hiding signs of erosion on teeth
- Fixing misshapen teeth
- Aligning teeth that were not before
How Are Veneers Applied?
The way veneers are applied depends on whether or not you’re getting porcelain or composite resin veneers.
Composite Resin Veneers
To begin the process of applying a veneer to one of your teeth, your dentist will first use a mild chemical on the front surface of the tooth. This chemical will create a slightly rougher texture, which will make it easier for the composite resin to adhere to the enamel of the tooth.
The colour of the composite resin used will be matched to the colour of your natural teeth to help the veneer blend seamlessly with the rest of your teeth.
Once the colour is chosen, your dentist will apply the composite resin to your tooth in layers. After each layer is applied, a bright light is used to harden the resin.
This process is repeated until the desired thickness is achieved. Finally, your dentist will shape and polish the hardened composite resin to create a natural-looking and smooth tooth.
Porcelain Ceramic Veneers
With porcelain veneers, your dentist may give you a local anesthetic (freezing).
They will then remove a thin layer of the enamel from your teeth. This is to make room for the veneers. Then your dentist will make a mould of your teeth, used to custom-make your porcelain veneers.
After the fitting, the dentist may place temporary veneers to replace the portion of the tooth that was removed. Though they may not, due to the brief period, and since temporary veneers need extra care and can fall out when eating or brushing your teeth.
On your next visit, if you went with temporary veneers, your dentist will remove them and apply a mild chemical to make your teeth rough for the final adhesion. This helps the porcelain veneers stick as they are then glued to your teeth individually, using composite resin cement.
How Long Will Veneers Last?
Veneers can chip and break just like regular teeth can. But with regular care, they can last between 10-15 years.
Can You Go Back to Normal Teeth After Veneers?
Once you have veneers, you cannot reverse the treatment because part of your enamel has been removed. This means you will have to maintain veneers very carefully over the years.
What Happens to Real Teeth Under Veneers?
Regarding the tooth or teeth that are being treated, dentists only remove a minimal amount of enamel, leaving the nerves and roots untouched. The natural teeth will remain unaltered and serve as the new veneer's base.
Follow your dentist's directions carefully, and you can have a beautiful smile for years to come.
Veneers in NE Calgary
If you’re looking to correct gaps, misalignment, discolouring, or chips in your teeth, veneers might be your answer.
Call our dental care team at Skypointe Dental and book an appointment for a veneer consultation today!