Dental veneers can transform a smile by covering up flaws like chips, cracks, and stains or even by making the teeth appear to be in better alignment. They are the open secret behind the flawless smiles of many movie stars and are accessible to the general public through their local dentists. While veneers can last for up to twenty years with proper care, they will eventually need replacement. Here are a few signs that can tell you that it’s time to replace your veneers.
A Growing Distance Between the Veneers and the Gums
If your veneers are getting old, they can start pulling away from the gums, causing the appearance of a receding gumline. If the patient has not been practicing proper oral hygiene, veneers can provide shelter for the bacteria that cause gum disease, which can cause the gumline to actually recede. Untreated gum disease will eventually lead to tooth loss, so this is a sign that your veneers urgently need replacement.
Your Veneers Begin to Show Damage
When you can see that your veneers are chipped, cracked, or worn down, it is probably time to swap them out for a new set. While porcelain is durable, teeth grinding or years of chewing can wear it down over time. If your veneers are damaged badly enough, they can begin to interfere with your ability to speak and chew normally.
The Tooth Beneath Your Veneer Is Showing Decay
Veneers are designed to form a tight seal with the underlying teeth in order to prevent bacteria from infecting them. However, if your veneers are getting old, this seal can start weakening. If left untreated, tooth decay can lead to the veneer detaching completely or the loss of the underlying tooth. In this case, your dentist will need to treat the decay before a new veneer can be cemented in place.
Your Veneers Become Discolored
Similarly to real teeth, veneers can accumulate stains over years of eating and drinking items that are high in pigments and dyes. However, veneers are not affected by teeth whitening treatments, so if they have stains that can’t be removed with brushing, you’ll need to replace them to get your beautiful smile back. See your dentist if your veneers or the cement used to bond them in place start to show discoloration.
After receiving veneers, a tooth will need to wear them for the rest of its life in order to remain healthy. Keeping up with your dental appointments and replacing your veneers on schedule can keep your smile healthy and free of these telltale signs.
About the Practice
Shinkawa Dental provides outstanding dental services to the community of Fresno, CA. Led by Drs. Gerald, Adam, and Nicole Shinkawa, the staff has helped countless patients achieve better oral health and more ideal smiles. Areas of expertise include general, pediatric, restorative, emergency, and cosmetic dentistry such as dental veneer treatments. For more information on caring for your veneers, contact the office online or dial (559) 226-5656.