Ask any cosmetic dentist if veneers are permanent and they will answer yes and no. If you weren't nervous enough about the procedure, now you are confused too.
What does this mean exactly?
Keep reading to learn more about this cosmetic treatment.
What You Need to Know About Veneers
If you're interested in getting veneers in Foothill Ranch, it's important to understand how they work and the effect they will have on your natural teeth.
Veneers are tiny shells made from materials like porcelain or composite veneers. They are recommended as a way to fix minor cosmetic dental issues like cracks, chips, badly stained teeth, wide gaps between teeth, or a slightly uneven smile.
What makes veneers unique and different from dental bonding, for example, is that the tooth needs to be prepared. That means that the dentist has to remove a bit of enamel (about half a centimeter,) to give your teeth a rougher texture. This is a crucial step in the veneer treatment process which will ensure that the shells will actually bond to the teeth. Without enamel shaving, the veneers will simply slip off your teeth.
How Does Enamel Shaving Affect Your Teeth?
It doesn't really. Your teeth won't become weaker or more sensitive because the amount of enamel shaving is very small.
However, this applies only if your teeth are covered by the veneers. Without them, the teeth are exposed and more vulnerable to breakage and decay.
What you need to keep in mind is that enamel doesn't grow back. If your veneers get damaged or very old, you will need to get new ones to cover and protect your teeth.
In this regard, dental veneers are a permanent cosmetic treatment. As for the shells per se, they have a limited lifespan.
How Long Will Veneers Last?
The lifespan of veneers depends on quite a number of factors:
- The material used
- How well they were bonded to your teeth
- Your dental hygiene habits
- Your diet
- Your habits
- Your lifestyle
- Whether or not you have bruxism
According to the American Dental Association, composite veneers last between 7 and 10 years while porcelain veneers can last between 10 and 15 years. If you take really good care of them, you can even enjoy your veneers for 20 years.
Interested in Veneers in Foothill Ranch? Give Us a Call!
If you want to improve the appearance of your smile, you first need to get in touch with Dr. Sarno at Foothill Modern Dental for an initial cosmetic consultation. She will examine your teeth and tell you about the best options to achieve the smile you always wanted.
Whether it's veneers, bonding, or braces, you can rest assured that the results will go beyond your expectations.
If you are ready to book your appointment, you can contact us online or call our office at (949) 830-3511.