How long can veneers be expected to last?

For those researching advanced tooth repair options and a dentist for veneers in Wichita, Kansas, the lifetime durability of the veneer is an area of great interest. After all, this represents a substantial investment in one’s dental health. Preparing a tooth to receive a veneer requires commitment and time in the dentist’s chair. The good news is that, once the process is complete, the veneers will bond so fully to the teeth that they are basically like new teeth.

The Process of Applying Veneers

Veneers are porcelain or composite shells placed over and bonded to a prepared tooth surface. The bonding process is quick, painless, and permanent. Veneers can be made in any shape for any mouth. The only limit is the tooth used for the foundation. A veneer will correct substantial defects in tooth placement or strength, but it cannot be used in every situation. A deeply cracked or missing tooth cannot be used as the foundation of a veneer. Suppose the x-rays and examination by our doctors and the staff of East Wichita Dentist find the underlying structure of the tooth to be healthy enough. They will then address all cavities or other decay, shave the tooth down to the proper size and shape, and permanently bond the veneers to the tooth.

The Benefits of Veneers

Veneers address nearly all dental problems. Although it is always preferable to keep natural teeth for as long as possible, the process of life can naturally damage the teeth, especially the front teeth. The veneer quite literally replaces the unhealthy tooth with a synthetic matrix that is every bit as strong as the teeth were before. They can be made into any shape, correcting irregular or projecting teeth and producing a healthy, even smile. What’s more, the shade of the veneer is set at the time of fabrication and installation. They will never change color or stain.

The Composition of Veneers

Veneers are made out of three general types of materials.

• Porcelain
• Composite
• Instant

Each of these materials has its advantages.

• Dental porcelain, made out of the most advanced modern materials, will often last for as long as a decade, if not longer. The fundamental deciding factors will be mouth placement, the biting and chewing habits of the recipient, and the health of the dental foundation.
• Composite veneers, though more modest in their price, are of less durable material. That means that they are more prone to staining and require more maintenance. They will last as little as two years, and it is essential to note that the dental foundation requires constant, permanent covering. Composite will do for a while, but it is wise to use that time to prepare for porcelain.
• Instant or “press-on” veneers are sold by several private enterprises and fabricated from a wide array of materials. They are intended for emergency use and should be replaced with more permanent solutions as quickly as possible.

Veneers are an excellent modern solution to dental problems, erasing a wide variety of issues at a stroke and delivering a clear, crisp, healthy smile every time. For more information on what we can offer you, Drs David Koepsel and Ashton Pargman at East Wichita Dentist have various options for residents of central Kansas regarding dental veneers. Call East Wichita Dental today at (316) 215-7152 to schedule an appointment.