{"id":243,"date":"2024-11-21T17:43:59","date_gmt":"2024-11-21T17:43:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.downtownpittsburghdentist.com\/blog\/?p=243"},"modified":"2024-12-10T17:45:26","modified_gmt":"2024-12-10T17:45:26","slug":"how-to-tell-when-its-time-to-replace-your-veneers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.downtownpittsburghdentist.com\/blog\/2024\/11\/21\/how-to-tell-when-its-time-to-replace-your-veneers\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Tell When its Time to Replace Your Veneers"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\"A<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

If your beautiful smile has been improved with the help of veneers, you were likely already informed by your dentist that these enhancements don\u2019t last forever. In fact, most will need to be replaced after about ten to fifteen years.  With excellent care, they may even survive up to 20 years, but ultimately, you will need to replace them at some point. Furthermore, because your dentist does need to remove a small amount of enamel to fit them in the first place, you must continue replacing them; you cannot simply go back to not having them at all as your teeth will be too vulnerable without the veneers there to protect them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are a few common signs that it may be time for you to redo yours, and how you can ensure that they last for as long as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

When Should I Replace My Veneers?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While the general rule of thumb is that veneers can last up to 20 years, there may be signs sooner that yours need to be replaced. These include the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gum Tissue is Pulling Back<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you have gum disease or poor oral hygiene, your veneers can separate from the gums, causing either a gap or the appearance of receding gums. If you notice this, contact your dentist as soon as possible, as gum disease could lead to permanent tooth loss if not treated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chips or Cracks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If your veneers become chipped or cracked, it\u2019s time to replace them. Though they are made to withstand lots of pressure from chewing, they can wear down with time or break on hard items like ice cubes, hard candy, or if you\u2019re using them to bite your nails or chew on your pen. Not only does this type of damage look bad, but it can also make it harder for you to speak clearly or chew properly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They\u2019re Uncomfortable<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Your veneers should not feel noticeable on your teeth, so if they have become uncomfortable or painful, this is a sign to replace them. If they are too big, they may not only become painful, but they could also affect your bite so it\u2019s best to have this fixed as soon as you can.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Tooth is Decayed<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While your veneers should fit snugly over your tooth to block out bacteria which can cause decay, sometimes if you\u2019re not a diligent brusher and flosser, it can find its way underneath, especially if your veneer is at all loose. If this occurs, the enhancement may begin to detach. If this happens, your dentist will need to remove it to treat the tooth and then replace it with a new veneer after.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Veneer is Discolored or Stained<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Though they are stain resistant, your veneers are still capable of discoloration, especially if you are a heavy coffee or wine drinker, or if you smoke. Furthermore, the cement that holds your veneers in place can become stained with time, too, so even if they are still white and bright, if you have any exposed bonding material you should still have it examined by your dentist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Extend the Life of Your Veneers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

To ensure that your veneers last as long as possible, there are a few steps you can take to maximize their longevity. These include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n