Porcelain veneers are a form of cosmetic dentistry consisting of thin ceramic shells that are fixed to the fronts of teeth in order to naturally conceal aesthetic problems such as cracks, chips, or stains.

With the proper care, porcelain veneers can last Charleston patients up to several decades. However, there are instances in which the veneer will not only need to be repaired, but all together replaced.

Reasons for Replacing Procelain Veeners

The reasons for having to replace porcelain veneers vary and can be related to accidents, poor quality dental work, or unrelated dental issues that can affect the veneer.

Dental Reasons:

• If porcelain veneers are cracked or chipped beyond repair due to withstanding an impact to the mouth or from chewing hard objects, they may need to be replaced.
• Tooth decay on the natural tooth that is just underneath the porcelain veneer will result in the porcelain veneer having to be removed so the tooth decay can be properly treated.
• Gum recession can cause a gap to form between the veneer and the gums, which will result in an ill-fitting veneer that will need to be replaced.

Cosmetic Reasons:

• Veneers may become yellow or stained.
• When the natural teeth are whitened, the porcelain veneers will not whiten as well, and may look a different shade than the rest of the teeth. As a result, they will need to be replaced in order to best match the rest of the teeth.

Poor Quality:

• Sometimes veneers are not properly sized, causing them to look unnatural or become painful, in which case they will need to be removed, properly fitted, and replaced.
• When veneers are not properly applied, they may fall off and will need to be replaced.

How to Prolong the Life of Porcelain Veneers

Veneers can potentially have a significantly long lifespan if applied and cared for properly. It is important to find a qualified dentist who can be trusted to give you quality care and results. Other ways to ensure your veneers last as long as possible include the following:

• Brushing and flossing teeth daily using a soft-bristled brush and non-abrasive toothpaste
• Avoiding tobacco products and stain-causing foods such as coffee or wine
• Wearing a mouth guard during contact sports
• Avoiding chewing on hard objects
• Regular dentist visits

Replacing Porcelain Veneers

The porcelain veneers replacement procedure follows a slightly different process than the initial treatment. First, the dentist will remove the damaged veneers and bonding material. Next, new impressions will be taken of the teeth and gums. These impressions will be sent to the dental lab that will fabricate the new veneers. Temporary veneers will then be placed while the new veneers are made. Once the final veneers are crafted, the patient will return to the dentist’s office to have them cemented into place.

Learn More about Porcelain Veneers

To find out if your porcelain veneers need to be replaced, contact Charleston Center for Cosmetic & Restorative Dentistry, LLC.