Okemos, Lansing, East Lansing MI
An imperfect smile may have you researching information about possible treatments to restore your smile’s health and appearance. Whether you have chips, cracks, stains, or gaps in your teeth, dental veneers are a treatment that can produce a seamless smile. The thin shell-like covers can match or improve the shape or color of your smile. Our Okemos cosmetic dentist who offers veneers, Dr. Christine Tenaglia, shares on the blog today the average lifespan of dental veneers and what you can do to protect your investment.
How long do porcelain veneers last?
Most patients can expect porcelain veneers to last about ten years. Similar to your natural teeth, veneers can suffer damage during regular daily activities. Our Lansing veneer dentist explains that in some cases, patients may crack or break off a veneer. For example, patients who like to chew ice, bite their fingernails, use their teeth as tools, or grind their teeth should try to break the habit before getting porcelain veneers. Unfortunately, those activities can crack or chip a veneer and require an expensive replacement. Therefore, if you are careful with your new smile, you may extend its lifespan past ten years.
Why is post-placement care important?
After getting your new smile, caring for it is crucial. Although veneers are extremely durable and stain-resistant, you should care for them the same as your natural teeth. Therefore, our East Lansing cosmetic dentist explains that proper dental hygiene and regular dental office visits for checkups and cleanings are necessary to protect your smile. Without regular checkups and cleanings, you could risk harmful bacterial attacks along the gumline or on the surfaces of your teeth that veneers do not cover. Unfortunately, tooth enamel breakdown could result in veneer instability and cause it to come off or break. So, care for your smile at home and visit our office regularly for monitoring.
Can I combine veneers with other treatments?
In short, absolutely. After Dr. Tenaglia examines your oral health and discusses with you possible treatment options, you can combine treatments into a smile makeover to get the best results. For example, if a patient chooses a teeth whitening treatment but has one or two intrinsically stained teeth that don’t respond, veneers may be the best option to correct the discoloration. Our Okemos cosmetic dentist explains that there are many available procedures you could include in a smile makeover, depending on your smile needs. In many cases, the procedures can occur on the same day, saving you missed time off work and another trip to the dentist’s office.
Veneers in Okemos, Lansing, and East Lansing, MI
Creating a gorgeous smile that lasts is often the goal for people with smile imperfections. Although most treatments can last about ten years, their lifespan can increase when you take proper care of your teeth and gums. Therefore, it’s vital to schedule an appointment every six months for an exam and cleaning and practice good at-home oral hygiene. Please call our Okemos cosmetic dentist office, Tenaglia Smiles, at (517) 347-6733 or contact us online to schedule a consultation to discuss your new smile.