Veneers are commonly used to improve teeth appearance. Although veneers are either made of composite resin or porcelain, porcelain veneers are popular than composite resin veneers. Using porcelain to make veneers is a popular trend because veneers made of this material look like natural teeth. Porcelain veneers also last longer than composite resin veneers. However, veneers are susceptible to damage regardless of how durable they are. In some cases, it is not always possible to repair veneers. In such cases, the only option is to have them replaced.
How long can Veneers Last?
There is no single way that can always be used to determine the exact period that veneers can last. However, there are guidelines that can generally be used to estimate how long veneers will last.
To some people, resin veneers provide the best option. This is because their placement process does not require shaving away of the surface tissue on the front of the teeth. However, these veneers do not look natural like porcelain veneers. Since composite resin chips and stains more easily, these veneers do not last longer like porcelain veneers. However, veneers made of composite resin will last between 4 and 8 years with proper care.
Once damaged, a veneer made of composite resin should be redone. Since composite resin tends to stain easily, a patient may have to redo the surrounding teeth to ensure that the newly placed veneer is not noticeably lighter.
Porcelain veneers tend to last longer and their look is more natural than that of veneers made of composite resin. Porcelain veneers last between 5 and 20 years. However, on average a porcelain veneer tends to last for about 10 years. Once damaged, a porcelain veneer might be irreparable. Nevertheless, a porcelain veneer can be repaired successfully in some cases.
How to Repair a Porcelain Veneer
The approach taken in repairing a porcelain veneer depends on the nature of the sustained damage. That’s why it is a good idea to visit a reputable dentist like Gabe Doria at his dental practice in Bayonne, New Jersey in Hudson County if you detect a problem with your veneers. In some cases, the best option is to have the veneer replaced. However, it is possible to repair a damaged or chipped porcelain veneer in other cases.
Small Fractures and Chips
In some instances, a dentist can buff away the veneer damage. In this case, the treatment entails evening out surrounding veneers to ensure that the natural look is maintained. Although this might be a nice way to fix a damaged porcelain veneer, it is only possible when the damage is detected and fixed before it worsens.
Larger Chips
When a veneer has a larger chip or the tooth is cracked, the mostly used method to fix the chip is filling in the chip using composite. The success rate of this procedure differs on the basis of the quality of the resin that is used to fix the tooth as well as the skill of the dentist who performs the procedure. There are cases where composite stains faster than the other part of the veneer. This causes a non-uniform look. However, this method prolongs the veneer’s use especially when a patient is unable or unwilling to replace it.
Debonded Veneers
There are cases where the entire veneer may debond from the surface of a tooth and not break. In such a case, the dentist can rebond the veneer to a tooth with ease. If a veneer debonds, it should be inspected carefully to find out whether it is still whole. If a veneer comes off without sustaining any damage, it has the look of a tooth when viewed from a convex side. Be careful as you handle a veneer once it comes off because a broken, debonded veneer cannot be rebounded to a tooth.
However, in some cases a debonded veneer may not stay in its place once reattached. In such a case, the veneer is best replaced altogether.
Every case of a broken veneer is different. That’s why you should visit a professional dentist like Gabe Doria at his practice in Bayonne, New Jersey in Hudson County once you suspect a problem with your veneer. This dentist will determine whether your broken veneer can be fixed or replacement is the only option you have. To prevent veneer damage, many dentists suggest that you wear a mouth guard especially while sleeping and avoid biting hard foods on veneers.
Contact us for answers to any questions about veneer repairs or to schedule your consultation!
