Porcelain veneers can transform your smile’s appearance by masking dental flaws and addressing imperfections, providing long lasting results. With proper care and maintenance, porcelain veneers can last well over a decade, but sometimes injury, oral health problems, or other circumstances can cause porcelain veneers to need replacement. Dentists Paul E. Brown, Christopher S. Baran, and Mark B. Brown offer porcelain veneers replacement to patients in Seaford, DE and Wilmington, DE. Schedule a consultation with one of our dentists to learn more about porcelain veneers treatment and replacement.

Reasons Porcelain Veneers May Need Replacement

Porcelain veneers are strong and long lasting, however, they may require replacement for a number of reasons, such as:

• Cracked or damaged: Although porcelain veneers are durable, they may fracture or crack as a result of facial injury or chewing on hard objects. Broken veneers should be replaced to protect the health of the underlying teeth.
• Decay or damage to underlying tooth: Veneers only cover the front surface of the teeth, leaving exposed areas, like the back of the teeth and the gum line, vulnerable to decay or damage. If damage or decay occurs, the porcelain veneer will need to be removed in order to treat the underlying tooth.
• Loose veneer: Over time, the dental cement used to bond veneers to the teeth may become loose, allowing bacteria and plaque to lodge beneath the veneers. Loose veneers will need to be replaced to prevent damage or decay to the underlying teeth.
• Dental stains: Although porcelain veneers are stain resistant, any neighboring untreated teeth may discolor over time. This can result in a noticeable difference between the color of the veneers and the natural teeth. Veneers do not respond to whitening treatment, so whitening the teeth could also lead to a noticeable difference in color and is not recommended. Instead, porcelain veneers will need to be replaced to ensure even tooth color.

Prolong the Life of Your Porcelain Veneers with Proper Aftercare

Porcelain veneers can last well over ten years with proper care and maintenance. Fortunately, caring for porcelain veneers is just as easy as caring for your natural teeth. Follow these tips to help prolong the life of your veneers and keep your smile healthy.

• Practice good oral hygiene: Tooth decay can occur in teeth with veneers. Practicing good oral hygiene habits, brushing at least twice a day and flossing at least once a day, is one of the most effective ways to prevent tooth decay and other oral health problems, which can help prolong the life of porcelain veneers.
• Use non-abrasive toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush: Abrasive toothpastes and hard-bristled toothbrushes can scratch porcelain veneers. Use non-abrasive toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid scratching your veneers and protect their pearly white finish.
• Schedule regular dental check-ups and cleanings: Dental exams and cleanings should be performed at least once every six months to make sure that veneers and other restorations are intact and oral health is at its best.
• Don’t use your teeth as tools: Using the teeth as tools, like to open packages or cut tape, can damage the natural teeth and porcelain veneers.
• Don’t chew on your fingernails or pen caps: Chewing on your fingernails, metal pen caps, or other hard items can fracture or chip porcelain veneers.

Maintain the Beauty of Your Smile

Maintenance is one of the best ways to ensure your smile stays at its best. To schedule an appointment, we welcome you to contact our offices today.