Take a look at almost any celebrity and you’ll see perfect teeth. They are in the right shape and pearly white. However, if you look at pictures of them before they became famous you’ll find that many of them had less than perfect teeth.
The difference is due to dental treatment and veneers.
The First Veneers
The first veneers were created in 1928 by Charles Pincus. The veneers were very different to what is used today but the principle was the same, to improve the aesthetic appeal of the teeth. The difference today is that veneers also help to keep teeth healthy, with the proper care from an approved dentist, such as this reputable dentist Five Dock.
What Are Veneers?
Veneers are very slim pieces of porcelain. These are shaped according to an individual and then glued to the front of your teeth.
Shaping is important as everyone has unique teeth, you need the veneers to look as natural as possible so each veneer needs to be designed for each tooth.
It’s worth noting that porcelain was chosen because it’s surprisingly tough. However, you should also know that, in order to attach veneers, the dentist will have to scrape a little of your enamel coating away on the front of each tooth.
In other words, your tooth will be damaged. The veneer and regular brushing will protect your teeth. But, when the veneers are due to be replaced you’ll need to have new veneers fitted. If you don’t your teeth will be very vulnerable to decay and cavities.
How Often Do You Need To Replace Veneers
The exact lifespan of a veneer will depend according to the quality of the veneer and how well the patient has looked after their teeth.
A good general guide is every 15-20 years. It should be noted that this is for high-quality veneers. If you’ve had cheaper ones fitted the lifespan is likely to be shorter.
The most obvious sign that the veneers need to be replaced is when they start to chip and crack. That means the porcelain has become fragile or brittle and won’t last much longer. You’ll need to visit your dentist to have the new veneers made before they remove the old ones. That’s the safest way of protecting your teeth.
In some cases, your dentist may choose to replace just the damaged ones. However, this is only normal if the veneers are relatively young, such as 5-10 years old. After this, it makes more sense to replenish all of them.
Looking After Veneers
Veneers are stuck to your original teeth. That means you still need to look after your teeth in the same way you usually would. Brush them twice a day and floss at least once. You can also use mouthwash and you should see your dentist regularly, ideally every six months.
If you don’t yet have veneers but are considering them, then talk to the dentist. They will guide you through the process, costs, and any risks, ensuring you understand everything before you commit.
