Your new veneers have the power to make your smile look and feel great! In fact, they can even boost your confidence and self-esteem. Naturally, you’ll want to keep those benefits going for as long as you can. So, how long can you expect your new smile to last? Here’s a quick guide to how to care for them so you can enjoy them for as long as possible.
How Long Will My Veneers Last?
Exactly how long your veneers will last depends on a variety of factors, but in general you can expect them to continue to look and work great for ten or more years. In some cases, patients have enjoyed them for up to 20 years, but this depends on how well you care for them. Here are some best practices to ensure they stay in great shape for as long as possible:
- Always brush veneers with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Do not use abrasive toothpaste on them, as they can become scratched. Use gel toothpaste instead.
- Never use whitening toothpaste. Not only is it ineffective on porcelain, it can also damage the cement holding your veneers to your teeth.
- Floss your teeth daily.
- Don’t skip your biannual dental check-up and cleaning appointments with your dentist.
- Never use your teeth to bite anything but food. No biting your fingernails or tearing packaging, and no crunching on ice cubes or hard candies.
- Wear a mouth guard or bite guard if you grind your teeth or play sports.
It is also important to remember that teeth that have been treated with veneers can still get cavities, so proper oral hygiene is essential. Furthermore, because your dentist will need to remove a small amount of enamel from each tooth before it can get a veneer, you’ll always need to either have a veneer or a crown on those teeth going forward.
Remember, with excellent oral health care and proper use, your new veneers could last up to 20 years, and that’s a lot to smile about!
About Dr. Skupny
Dr. Jeffrey Skupny has dentistry in his DNA! His own dad is a dentist, too. It was he who helped foster a lifelong passion for oral health in Dr. Skupny, and why he cares so much about his patients smiles, too! Dr. Skupny earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine from the University of Florida College of Dentistry. He is a current, active member of the Academy of General Dentistry, the International Team for Implantology, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and the Naples Chamber of Commerce. He furthers his education through courses at Spear Education, the Dawson Academy, and the Misch International Implant Institute, and is a Diplomate in the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and is a member of the American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, and West Coast Dental District. To schedule an appointment for veneers at Island Coast Dentistry, please visit our website or call us today at 239-261-5566.