Dental Display: 3 Signs You Need New Veneers

Veneers are a versatile solution to enhance your smile because they can cover multiple flaws at one time, all while protecting your grin from potential future harm. These thin shells are made from durable porcelain or resin which resist stains, chipping, and cracks better than natural teeth. Plus, they can last 20+ years with the right care, making them an excellent long-term solution.

Although veneers are incredibly resilient, they’re not entirely invincible. They can be broken or worn down and may eventually need to be replaced. If you’ve had yours for a while and aren’t sure if you need a new set, keep reading to learn about 3 indicators that let you know it’s time!

Sign #1: The Underlying Tooth is Damaged

Before you get veneers, your dentist will first ensure that you don’t have cavities or gum disease because these conditions impact the results. Even if you had a clean bill of oral health initially, the teeth under the shells can develop decay. This can cause the porcelain cover to detach and will require additional treatment. Call your dentist to let them know, and they’ll schedule an appropriate time for you to come in so they can make the necessary repairs.

Fortunately, this can be prevented with consistent dental hygiene habits like brushing and flossing twice daily and having a dental checkup every 6 months.

Sign #2: They Don’t Look Good

Veneers are made from materials that are less porous than the pearly whites you’re born with and so they’re considered more resistant to stains and cracks. That said, it’s still possible for them to become discolored after long-term exposure to dark foods and beverages. On top of that, they can be worn down from years of biting and chewing. If your smile looks drab, schedule a consultation with your dentist to determine whether it’s time to replace them.

Sign #3: Your Gums Have Pulled Back

The early signs of gum disease are notoriously hard to identify because there may not be visible symptoms until it has progressed. One indicator that you’ve developed a periodontal problem is receding gums. The tender tissues will start to pull away from your teeth to avoid infection which reveals the seams of your veneers and can cause them to loosen or come free. If you’ve noticed this happening, inform your dentist so they can work with you to clear up the underlying issue. Then, they’ll help you replace your prosthetics to restore your grin.

Now that you know when it’s time to consider new veneers, you can take proactive steps to replace them so you can once again enjoy a perfectly flawless smile!

About the Author

Dr. Christopher Cowell has more than 2 full decades of providing a full range of top-quality dental services under one roof. He first studied biology at Stetson University and then graduated from the University of Florida College of Dentistry. Today, he uses state-of-the-art technology in a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere to enhance patient comfort. He prefers a conservative approach that focuses on your health, first, so you know you can trust his recommendations. If you have veneers and think it may be time to get new ones, you’re welcome to request an appointment on the website or by calling (386) 734-8585.