Porcelain Veneers Replacement
Although most people take the recommended steps to care for the teeth and maintain good oral health, dental imperfections are a common problem. Cosmetic flaws such as dental stains, tooth discoloration, and chips or cracks can compromise the appearance of the smile.
Fortunately, porcelain veneers address a wide range of aesthetic blemishes, including minor misalignment problems. Porcelain veneers enhance the smile while maintaining the strength and function of the teeth. Although porcelain veneers are fabricated using durable ceramic materials, they do have a limited lifespan.
With proper care, porcelain veneers can last up to 20 years, but at some point, they are likely to need replacement. Dr. Yamen Akhras offers porcelain veneers replacement to his Chicago, IL, patients so that they can continue to enjoy a beautiful smile even after their porcelain veneers have become worn out or damaged.
When Should Porcelain Veneers Be Replaced?
It would be nice if we could let patients know exactly when their porcelain veneers will need to be replaced, but the answer is different for each patient. While some patients may need replacement in as little as five years, there are patients who have enjoyed their porcelain veneers for 20 years or more.
The average lifespan of porcelain veneers is about 10 years, but it all comes down to how well patients care for the teeth and veneers. Here are the most common signs that it is time to have porcelain veneers replaced:
- The veneers have become visibly thin or worn down
- The veneers have changed in color and no longer match surrounding teeth
- The veneers are chipped, cracked, or otherwise damaged
- The teeth or gums beneath the veneers are suffering from decay or infection
Do I Have to Replace Porcelain Veneers?
Most people are happy to replace their porcelain veneers when the time comes because they want to continue to enjoy a beautiful smile. However, there are patients who have asked Dr. Akhras whether porcelain veneers need to be replaced when they become worn down or damaged.
During the initial porcelain veneers treatment, the natural teeth are reshaped and a small amount of tooth enamel is removed to accommodate the veneers. Although this alteration is minimal, it is enough to leave the natural teeth weak and vulnerable to damage. For this reason, porcelain veneers must be replaced when the time comes. New porcelain veneers will not only maintain the beauty of the smile but also protect the integrity of the teeth.
The Replacement Procedure
Porcelain veneers replacement is a fairly simple procedure and one that is nearly identical to the initial treatment process.
Stage one of porcelain veneers replacement will be removing the old veneers, as well as the bonding material that held the veneers in place. Next, we will take molds of the teeth so that a new set of veneers can be designed.
Since the mouth and jaw tend to shift and change as a person ages, porcelain veneers replacement is a great time to reconsider the size, shape, and color of the veneers to ensure they still provide a natural-looking and beautiful smile.
After the porcelain veneers are crafted, the patient will return to our office for the second and final stage of treatment, putting the porcelain veneers in place. Porcelain veneers will be bonded to the facial surface of the teeth using a strong dental compound. After this compound is hardened with a special dental light, the patient will be ready to enjoy their new porcelain veneers.
Contact Us
Porcelain veneers can completely makeover the teeth to give patients the straight, white, beautiful smile they have always desired. If you would like to learn more about porcelain veneers treatment, or have questions about the replacement procedure, Dr. Yamen Akhras is here to help. Contact us at your earliest convenience to set up a personalized consultation.