Veneers in Northampton

No, getting veneers is only a temporary procedure but they do last for up to 15 years before needing to be replaced. While veneers are temporary and require continual replacement, the alteration to your natural tooth enamel is permanent and will always need to be covered.

Veneers are mostly made from porcelain, an extremely durable ceramic that closely resembles the color of our teeth. Porcelain veneers are also versatile, resistant to stains, and can last over 20 years if you take good care of them. They’re also minimally invasive and, unlike crowns, don’t require significant removal of parts of the teeth. 

Veneers can also be made of composite resin, a tooth-colored restorative material consisting of organic polymer resin matrix, fillers, and silane coupling augment. Simply put, composite resin veneers are a lighter, affordable alternative to porcelain veneers.

How long your veneers last depend on the veneer material, how well they’re installed, and how well you take care of them. At Refresh Valley Dental we use top-grade composite resin putty to bond the veneers to the enamel of your teeth creating a tight seal.

We then install a veneer that closely matches the color of your teeth before using a special light to cure and cement the veneers in place. This makes them stick and serve you longer. That being said, you might need to replace your veneers after a few years when they chip or break because of the pressure of daily use. You may also need replacement veneers when your gum starts to pull back.

Caring for your veneers is crucial to getting the most out of them. Proper veneer care includes brushing your teeth twice daily and flossing them at least once every day. Also, rinse your mouth with a fluoride mouthwash twice daily to strengthen the enamel beneath the veneer. Doing so also removes plaque and residual food particles that may encourage the proliferation of cavity-causing bacteria.

At the same time, steer clear of sticky and gummy candy like toffee, caramel, and jelly beans. These not only invite cavity-causing bacteria but could also dislodge the teeth. Also, avoid hard foods like carrots and apples, especially the first few weeks after getting your veneers to avoid cracking or chipping and replacing them prematurely.

No, both porcelain and composite veneers are impervious to cavities. However, this doesn’t mean you should overlook proper oral hygiene and dental care. Remember, the teeth beneath your veneers are still prone to cavities and will get them if you don’t practice proper oral hygiene.

It’s worth noting that cavities are detrimental to your dental health and will eat away the enamel exposing sensitive nerve fibers and causing intense pain. Cavities could also shorten the lifespan of your veneers, forcing more frequent repairs that are costly in the long run. Remember to brush and also floss your teeth regularly to keep cavities a bay. You should also schedule dental checkups regularly to ensure your veneers are in great shape.

Porcelain is a stain-resistant material that is less likely to stain compared to your natural teeth and other restorations. However, they can become discolored over time if you consume a lot of staining foods and drinks and use tobacco products. Our Northampton dentists recommend that you avoid smoking and using tobacco products, and limit your consumption of staining foods and drinks.