Signs You May Need New Veneers & What the Replacement Process Is Like
Veneers are wafer-thin, tooth-shaped shells that are bonded to the surface of the front teeth to mask imperfections and improve the appearance of the smile.
While dental veneers are durable and long lasting, they do have an expected lifespan of about 10 years and may need to be replaced at some point. At Nordhus Dentistry, Dr. Byron J. Nordhus provides consultations to determine whether dental veneers patients in Wichita, KS, and West Wichita, KS, need new veneers and can help you if your veneers need to be replaced.
It’s important that individuals with veneers know the signs that veneers need to be replaced in order to protect oral health and keep their smile at its best. If you notice any of the following signs, you are encouraged to schedule a consultation at Nordhus Dentistry.
Veneers Are Chipped or Cracked
Dental veneers are durable but they can become chipped from misuse, for example using the teeth as tools (opening packages or cutting things), chewing on pen caps, or biting hard candies. Veneers can also be chipped or cracked as the result of an injury and should be replaced immediately.
Veneers Are Worn Down
Veneers can become worn down over time from the regular friction of eating and chewing. However, those who suffer from bruxism, or teeth grinding, may see their veneers wear down much faster and more significantly.
Underlying Tooth Has Decay
It’s possible for decay to develop on the teeth underneath veneers. Decay can happen wherever the natural tooth is exposed, typically on the backside of the teeth or at the gum line. Sometimes decay develops when a veneer is loose and bacteria is able to enter between the veneer and the natural tooth. Veneers need to be removed and replaced in order to treat decay on underlying teeth.
Gum Disease Is Present
Poor oral hygiene can increase the risk of gum disease. When gum disease is left untreated, it can cause the gums to recede. This can create a gap between dental veneers and the gumline and leave the exposed areas of the natural teeth vulnerable to decay. Veneers should be replaced to cover gaps and gum disease should be treated to prevent further damage.
Veneers Are Discolored
Veneers can become stained and discolored over time, especially when certain foods and drinks are consumed. Regularly consuming coffee, red wine, dark berries, and other deeply colored foods can stain veneers. Unfortunately, veneers cannot be whitened like natural teeth. The only way to restore the color of veneers is to have them replaced.
What Should I Expect During the Replacement Process?
It’s important to seek veneers replacement as soon as a problem has occurred. Damaged veneers can leave the underlying teeth vulnerable to decay. If untreated, decay can lead to tooth loss and other oral health issues.
Fortunately, veneers can be replaced. During the replacement process, the damaged veneers are removed from the teeth. Any material used to bond the veneers to the teeth left on the teeth is gently removed.
New impressions are made of the teeth and sent to a dental lab where they are used to fabricate completely new veneers. Temporary veneers will be placed while the laboratory crafts the new veneers, which can take a few weeks.
Once the new veneers are ready, they are checked for proper fit and bonded to the teeth, creating an attractive, healthy looking smile.
Schedule a Consultation
If you have dental veneers and have noticed some signs that they need to be replaced, it’s important to have your veneers examined. To find out if you need your veneers replaced, we welcome you to schedule a consultation at Nordhus Dentistry in Wichita.
