Porcelain Veneers Replacement: Lifespan and Maintenance Info
Many patients at our River Edge, NJ dental practice enjoy the advantages of porcelain veneers. Porcelain veneers can conceal a wide range of cosmetic imperfections, such as chips, cracks, discoloration, gapped teeth, and more.
Like most dental restorations, however, veneers will need to be replaced at some point. Today, our team at Malki Dental discusses porcelain veneer replacement, as well as the lifespan of this popular cosmetic treatment.
Lifespan of Porcelain Veneers
Often, when we think of the word porcelain, we think of something fragile and delicate. However, the ceramics used in dentistry today are incredibly strong and resilient. In fact, veneers are almost as durable as natural teeth.
On average, the lifespan of dental veneers is about 10 to 15 years. However, with proper care and maintenance, some can last upwards of 20 years.
Common Reasons for Replacing Porcelain Veneers
In the same way that natural teeth can be damaged, porcelain veneers can be as well. For example, veneers may require replacement due to:
- Chips, cracks, or erosion: Veneers can become damaged by friction or excessive wear and tear. Therefore, patients should avoid using their teeth as tools, such as opening packages or biting nails. In addition, individuals should be careful not to chew on hard objects, such as ice, pens, or pencils. Those who suffer from bruxism, or teeth grinding, can damage their veneers if they don’t wear a custom oral appliance to protect the teeth.
- Tooth decay: Many patients mistakenly assume that restored teeth cannot decay. While porcelain veneers are impervious to cavities, the natural tooth structure underneath is not. If a veneered tooth does get a cavity, the veneer will need to be removed and reapplied following treatment.
- Poor oral hygiene: In addition to causing decay, poor oral hygiene can also lead to gum disease. As a result, the gums may recede away from the teeth. If this occurs, teeth restored with veneers may require retreatment to cover the exposed portions of the roots.
In addition to breakage, there may be cosmetic reasons why a patient chooses to replace his or her veneers. For example, teeth whitening can lighten natural teeth, but not veneers. Therefore, if brightening the entire smile is the goal, teeth whitening will need to be completed first, and the new veneers can be crafted to match your new shade.
Does Dental Insurance Cover the Cost of Porcelain Veneer Replacement?
Unfortunately, in most cases, insurance providers consider porcelain veneers strictly cosmetic in nature. Therefore, they typically do not cover treatment. However, it is always a good idea to speak with your insurance company and tell them about your specific situation.
To help patients with out-of-pocket costs, we offer a variety of payment options. Our financial team can help you choose a plan to meet your needs and budget.
Tips for Maintaining Your Porcelain Veneers
Fortunately, maintaining your porcelain veneers does not require anything more than routine dental care. However, patients must be diligent with at-home oral health habits and attend regular hygiene visits.
In addition:
- Avoid dark-colored foods that can stain your restorations.
- If you clench or grind your teeth, wear a mouth guard to protect your veneers from damage.
- If you play contact sports of any kind, wear a custom mouth guard while on the court or field.
- Always use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste.
- Avoid all tobacco products.
Contact Us for More Information
If you would like to learn more about porcelain veneer replacement, or any other cosmetic treatment offered at our practice, schedule a consultation. You can call us at (201) 646-0800 or contact us online anytime.