Longest-Lasting Veneers: Materials, Maintenance, and What to Expect

Having a radiant smile can be life-changing, yet we often take our smiles for granted. Various things can cause teeth to become discolored or otherwise damaged over time. Fortunately, advances in cosmetic dentistry have made options like dental veneers more accessible than ever.

Dental Veneers Explained

Dental veneers are custom-made shells that are bonded to the front of your teeth to camouflage a wide variety of flaws. While veneers are well-known as a tool for disguising stained teeth, they can also be used to camouflage other cosmetic dental issues, including oddly shaped teeth, worn or dull teeth, or teeth that have been broken or chipped. Additionally, veneers are useful for filling in gaps between teeth. 

Materials Commonly Used for Veneers

Dental veneers can be made from a few different materials, with porcelain being the most popular. Composite resin is an affordable option, but resin lacks the durability of porcelain. Zirconia is another material that has been used to create dental veneers in recent years. Porcelain remains the most popular because of its durability and how closely it can mimic the color and aesthetic of natural teeth. 

Porcelain Veneers: The Gold Standard for Getting Teeth Veneers

Other materials used to make dental veneers can be less durable and susceptible to staining. Porcelain is highly stain-resistant and less prone to become damaged by chips or cracks. Equally important, porcelain veneers are less prone to wearing down your natural teeth. In terms of aesthetics, porcelain has a natural translucency that makes it the best choice for veneers. 

Daily Maintenance Tips for Veneer Care

With proper care, porcelain veneers can last between 10 and 20 years. Following these tips will help you keep your veneers looking as spectacular as the day you got them.

• Brush twice every day
• Floss every night before bed
• Use a mouthguard if you grind your teeth at night 
• Don’t use whitening toothpaste because it’s too abrasive for porcelain veneers
• Use a gentle toothbrush that your dentist recommends
• Visit your dentist every six months for checkups

Avoiding Foods and Habits That Can Damage Veneers

To keep your porcelain veneers looking beautiful, it’s important to take care of what you expose them to. Although porcelain is strong, hard or sticky foods can damage your veneers. Certain habits can also damage your porcelain veneers. This includes chewing on pens or other hard objects and biting your nails. While porcelain naturally resists stains, your veneers can become discolored over time if exposed to red wine and other dark beverages. 

Your Source for the Longest Lasting Veneers in Streamwood, IL

Are you ready to take your smile to the next level with porcelain veneers? Drs. Joon Han and Jae Yeon Choi at Irvington Dental in Streamwood, Illinois, are here to partner with you in your goal of achieving the most beautiful smile of your life. Call us today at (331) 245-2969 to schedule your consultation, or use our online form to request an appointment.

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