Veneers are a cosmetic solution to tooth imperfections like discoloration, gaps, damaged enamel, and awkwardly shaped or sized teeth. However, before you commit to getting veneers, you should know if they’re permanent or not.
To find out about the lifespan of veneers, whether they can be removed, and if there are any alternatives to veneers, read through this blog from Dogwood Family Dental.
Why Veneers Are a Life-Long Commitment
Veneers are considered a permanent treatment even though they do not last forever. While you will eventually need to have your veneers replaced, you cannot have them removed once you go through with the procedure.
The process of preparing your teeth for veneers requires filing down your natural tooth enamel by .5 mm. This change to your enamel is irreversible, as the enamel cannot grow back. This is done to prevent the veneers from protruding out further than the rest of your teeth.
If you were to later choose to remove your veneers, your natural teeth would be very thin and at a very high risk of damage and tooth decay. This is why it’s so important to carefully think about the commitment you are making before agreeing to get veneers in Cookeville.
Once you go through with the veneers procedure, you will need to keep your teeth covered for the rest of your life. As long as you do, you don’t have to worry about the strength of your teeth, as the veneers replace the rest of your enamel once they’ve been bonded together, in turn, re-strengthening your teeth.
Lifespan of Veneers
There are two different types of veneers - porcelain and composite resin. However, porcelain veneers are by far the most popular option. The lifespan of porcelain veneers is about 10-15 years while composite veneers last for around 4-8 years on average.
Once your veneers reach the end of their lifespan, they will need to be replaced. To extend the lifespan of your veneers, you should avoid staining foods, drinks, and cigarettes, practice good oral hygiene, and regularly attend dental visits. Avoid sources of wear and tear like teeth grinding (wear a mouthguard), chewing on hard foods, and using your teeth to open packages.
A Reversible Alternative to Veneers
The good news is that if you were interested in veneers only to be intimidated by the fact that they’re irreversible, there is another option that may be more suitable for you – lumineers.
Lumineers are thinner versions of veneers, so they bond to your teeth in the same way and cover up the same cosmetic imperfections, but because they are so thin, we don’t need to remove any of your teeth' enamel.
Lumineers may not be the best option for severe discoloration because they are more prone to showing through the thinner material. However, if you have minor cosmetic issues with your teeth and want the ability to reverse the treatment in the future, then lumineers are the best option for you. When lumineers are removed, they do not damage or change your natural teeth.
Deciding Between Veneers & Lumineers: Come In For a Consultation!
It can be difficult for patients to figure out if they are a better candidate for veneer or lumineers, which is what we’re here for! At Dogwood Family Dental, we can assess the severity of your cosmetic concerns and discuss your smile goals to make a recommendation. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Taylor Enochs Engler.
