Dental veneers are among the most versatile cosmetic dentistry treatments, as they offer a way to fix just about any aesthetic issue. Not only are they effective, but they can also be incredibly long-lasting. When applied by a skilled dentist and carefully maintained, dental veneers can enhance your smile for years to come.

The Evolution of Dental Veneers

Dental veneers have been in use for over a century, dating back to the 1920s. However, back then, they were primarily temporary appliances used to change the appearance of actors’ smiles. Some of the earliest veneers were acrylic, which severely lacked durability.

As time went on, cosmetic dentistry options continued to advance. The 1980s saw improved techniques that made porcelain veneers a realistic option for a much wider range of people. These veneers require careful custom preparation with high-quality materials, along with preparation of the teeth.

With the use of modern techniques, porcelain veneers can be customized to provide a natural and stunning-looking smile for just about any patient. Porcelain is an exceptional match for natural tooth enamel, and it also delivers improved durability that can last for years.

Understanding Veneer Materials

Today, you can find dental veneers that are custom made from a variety of different materials. Porcelain is still considered to be the gold standard due to its unique appearance and extended longevity. However, it’s not the only option available.

Composite resin veneers are now available as well. These rely on the same composite resin that is used in tooth-colored fillings and dental bonding. The surface of the tooth is etched, and then composite resin is applied and sculpted by the dentist. They then cure the resin with a UV light, hardening it permanently.

These resin veneers can be applied faster and cost less than porcelain veneers. However, the resin will steadily wear away over time. You might only get a handful of years out of composite veneers, as opposed to beyond a decade with porcelain.

Factors Influencing Veneer Longevity

There are many individual factors that will affect how long dental veneers last. The specific material used matters, but even when you go with porcelain, other factors can impact longevity.

Oral hygiene is among the most important things to keep in mind. Routine brushing and flossing are vital to prevent plaque buildup. Plaque can damage veneers over time, potentially infiltrating between the tooth surface and the veneer, causing it to lift.

Certain lifestyle factors can seriously impact the appearance of your veneers, even if they don’t harm the structure. Smoking can lead to staining, as can stain-prone food and drinks like coffee and soda.

Biting objects other than food, such as your nails, or opening packaging with your teeth, can also do lasting damage.

Professional Placement: Ensuring Long-Lasting Results

Your long-term results also rely heavily on choosing the right Edwardsville dental practice for your cosmetic dentistry treatment. Veneer placement is a matter of extreme precision. The porcelain veneer is a layer less than a millimeter thick and precisely shaped to suit the profile of the specific tooth.

If the alignment isn’t perfect, a bit of the edge can stick out. Even if this isn’t perceptible visibly, it can still cause issues. Edge staining is one issue that can occur, and even premature failure is possible.

Choose a dentist with experience handling porcelain veneers to ensure that you get the best fit possible. Both the tooth preparation and the veneer application require significant expertise and skill to handle the material properly and deliver long-lasting results.

Maintaining Veneers for the Long Term

What can you do to help protect your dental veneers? For the most part, simply keeping up with your regular oral hygiene routine is enough. Brushing and flossing are just as essential as they’ve always been. Make sure to use a non-abrasive toothpaste to protect the veneers.

If you grind your teeth, you’re going to need to deal with that to prevent chipping or cracking your veneers. A nightguard can help protect your smile—both the dental veneers and your natural teeth. If your smile shows signs of wear before dental veneer placement, your dentist will likely bring up the topic beforehand.

You shouldn’t face any serious dietary restrictions to protect your veneers. If you have a habit of chewing ice cubes, you should stop that, as they are excessively hard. Tearing plastic packaging and twisting bottle caps are also off limits.

Are dental veneers right for your smile?

Are you considering getting porcelain veneers to enhance your smile? They very well could be the right solution to provide a beautiful, natural look for years to come. The best way to find out for sure is to visit your trusted Edwardsville dental practice and discuss your options. Schedule a consultation at Hite Family Dentistry today to find out more.