If you’ve perfected one or more of your pearly whites with veneers, you’ve made an excellent choice for your smile! These thin shells of dental porcelain are durable, stain-resistant, and beautifully lifelike. While they boast a long lifespan, they aren’t designed to last forever. Typically, they’ll last about 15 years or more with the proper care. So, how can you tell when it’s time to replace veneers in Bonita Springs? Here are the top four warning signs you should keep a lookout for.
1.) Your Veneer Is Loose (Or Has Fallen Off!)
The biggest and most obvious sign that it’s time to replace your veneer is that it’s loose or has fallen off! Over time, the dental cement that bonds your veneer in place will wear away, which will cause it to lose its grip. If your veneer falls off, you can temporarily secure it with a dab of toothpaste or denture adhesive, but this will only work for a little while. You should plan on seeing your dentist as soon as you can.
2.) There are Chips or Cracks on Your Veneer
Veneers are crafted out of dental porcelain, which is resistant to chipping and cracking. However, that’s not to say veneers are invincible. After years of wear and tear from chewing, speaking, biting, and going about your day, it’s not unusual to develop small chips or cracks. While small, barely noticeable damage is nothing to panic about, you should talk to your dentist right away about any damage that you can see at a glance.
3.) The Veneers Seem Discolored Or Darker
One of the most popular benefits of veneers is their stain-resistant properties. You can drink a cup of coffee and feel confident about showing off a dazzling smile afterwards! That being said, veneers are not stain proof. Dark-colored particles can slip beneath your veneer and discolor the cement that holds your veneer in place. Over time, this discoloration may begin to shine through the veneer, making your smile seem darker. Since veneers cannot be whitened, the only solution is to have them replaced in this situation.
4.) Your Tooth Feels Sensitive Under Your Veneer
The tooth under your veneer is not completely protected from tooth decay. Plaque and cavity-causing bacteria can still build up on the inward-facing surface of your tooth or slip under the edges of your veneer. If a cavity develops in the tooth that has your veneer, you’ll need to have the veneer replaced in order to treat it. The most common warning sign that a cavity has developed is tooths sensitivity, so contact your dentist right away if your smile starts to feel uncomfortable.
When you visit your dentist every six months for your routine checkups, they will check the integrity of your veneer and keep an eye on if it needs to be replaced. However, if you ever have any concerns about your veneer, don’t hesitate to reach out to them!
About the Practice
At Pelican Landing Dental, we’re proud to showcase the talents of a team of highly experienced dental professionals. With their combined training and passion for dentistry, they’re proud to offer a wide variety of state-of-the-art cosmetic dental services, including veneers. If you’d like to learn more about veneers or are concerned about replacing yours, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us online or at (239) 948-2111.
