While dental veneers use quality materials, they don’t (and won’t) last forever. Even the best of these shells only work for a couple of decades at most. With that said, you might easily wonder: How do you know when you should replace your veneers? Rather than let you ponder endlessly, your Manchester dentist is here to provide a solid answer. Just keep reading to learn some major signs that you should replace your veneers soon.
The Veneered Teeth Have Cavities
If the teeth beneath your veneers have cavities, you should get new shells. The old ones won’t do you much good anymore.
Remember, a veneer is made to stick tightly to the underlying tooth. This design ensures the shell can block debris, “bad” bacteria, and other harmful materials. Once the underlying tooth has decayed, a veneer has clearly stopped fulfilling these functions. It should thus be removed so the cavity can be treated, and so a replacement can be applied.
Your Shells are Chipped & Cracked
When veneers look chipped or cracked, it’s a good time to have them replaced. After all, they won’t improve your appearance in their current state.
The material used for veneers – porcelain – can chip and crack as time passes. As such, the shells may break down as you eat hard foods, grind your teeth, and clench your jaw. This process sometimes results in chipped or cracked veneers, which have compromised cosmetic functions. Replacing these restorations is often best; keeping them ruins your grin’s looks and affects your ability to eat and speak.
The Veneers Look Dark & Stained
It goes without saying that dark and stained veneers don’t look good. With that said, you should replace them with new ones when possible.
Veneers are stain-resistant and don’t darken easily, but they aren’t “stain-proof.” Having many pigmented foods and drinks can cause them to discolor after a while. Adding insult to injury, such discoloration can’t be reversed; veneers can’t be whitened like natural teeth. The only “solution” for stained veneers is to replace them with bright and white ones.
You Have Receding Gums
You’d also do well to replace veneers if your gums are receding. In that scenario, your shells just won’t work very well.
Receded gums can make veneers separate, you see. The recession process makes a gap form between the shells and their teeth, causing the restorations to look fake. It also forces the veneers to come loose and, if left unchecked, fall out of your mouth. You’ll want to quickly replace the shells to avoid those outcomes.
To learn other signs you should replace your veneers, consult your dental team. They’ll gladly share more details!
About the Practice
Webster Dental Associates of Manchester is based in Manchester, NH. Led by Dr. Golparvar, our practice holds a strong commitment to easy, efficient, and effective dentistry. We thus offer a variety of tailored dental services, ranging from dental checkups and veneers to dental implants placed in-house. If your grin could use a tune-up, our team will gladly care for you! For more details or to book a visit, please contact us at our website or by phone at (603)-669-4252.