Porcelain veneers can help improve the appearance of your smile. However, this cosmetic dentistry solution is not permanent. Throughout the lifespan of your porcelain veneers, you may need to replace some of them to protect your smile from further complication. But how, exactly, do you replace porcelain veneers?
Only an experienced cosmetic dentist can fit you for your porcelain veneers, and replace them properly to restore your smile. Dr. John Schmid has the experience, training and knowledge necessary to help you get the smile you want to achieve.
If you’re in the Austin area and would like to learn more about replacing your veneers, give our office a call at 512-329-5967 to schedule your initial consultation.
How Long Do Veneers Last?
Veneers generally last between 7 and 15 years. Fortunately, porcelain veneers do not require any special care. As long as you maintain good oral hygiene practices and follow specific instructions from your dentist, including brushing and flossing, your veneers will continue to deliver a dazzling smile for years to come. However, at some point, they will need to be replaced.
The Replacement Process
Because there are modifications made to the underlying teeth as a part of the initial veneer placement process, your veneers will have to be replaced if they become damaged.
Porcelain veneers may have to be replaced for various reasons, including:
- Discoloration
- The veneers are uncomfortably large for your mouth
- Worn down over time
- Chipped or cracked
- Veneers dislodge or fall off
Fortunately, the veneer replacement procedure is quite similar to the initial placement. After removing the veneers from your natural teeth and removing as much of the bonding material as possible, your cosmetic dentist will simply take an impression and create a new veneer to fit your smile. Then, the new veneer will be bonded to your existing tooth, just like the veneer before it.
In some instances, the natural tooth underneath the veneer may be causing the problem. In these cases, the veneer will be removed and replaced with a full dental crown.
What Are the Benefits of Veneers?
Getting porcelain veneers or having old veneers replaced can be a very rewarding experience. If you’re seeking veneer replacement, you are already aware of the versatility of these thin sheets of dental-grade porcelain. Veneers can disguise many different cosmetic concerns, from chips to teeth that are too short. Your dentist customizes veneers to perfectly enhance your smile and bring more harmony to your overall appearance. In addition to being versatile and customized, veneers are also convenient. You don’t have to schedule downtime (though you might avoid certain foods or habits for a short time) after treatment and you don’t have to significantly alter your daily oral care practices. Just be mindful about brushing and flossing every day and you can expect your new veneers to last several years.
Who Is a Candidate for Veneers?
Ideal candidates for dental veneers are people who have overall healthy gums with teeth that can benefit from mild cosmetic adjustments. While veneers can help improve alignment for teeth that are mildly crooked, it’s important to note that if your bite is severely crooked, a more serious dental treatment may be needed.
If you are someone who is suffering from gum disease, having veneers placed is not recommended until you can restore your gums to a healthy state. If you lack the right amount of tooth enamel or constantly bite your nails, grind your teeth, or clench your jaw, Dr. Schmid may advise against veneers and recommend another dental treatment for you.
How Do I Know When My Veneers Need Replacing?
Recognizing the first tell-tale signs that you may need a veneer replacement can be important when it comes to preserving the health of your teeth and gums. If it’s time for you to have a veneer replacement, you may experience the following symptoms:
Your gums are receding. If you have been neglecting your oral hygiene and your gumline appears to be getting smaller, your gums may be receding. A receding gumline can be an indicator of gum disease and is a sign that you’ll need a veneer replacement as soon as possible to prevent your natural teeth from potentially falling out.
Your veneers are chipped and cracked. While porcelain veneers are made to be durable, it is possible that over the course of several years, you may experience chipping, cracking, or small signs of breakage in your veneers. This is typically caused by eating hard foods and is a telling sign to get your veneers replaced.
Your veneers are stained. Years of eating and drinking a variety of different foods and beverages can naturally cause stains on your veneers. If your veneers appear dark, it may be a sign they are stained. Because veneers cannot be whitened like natural teeth, you’ll most likely need a veneer replacement.
Your natural tooth is decaying. While veneers are firstly placed tightly to fit their underlying tooth, they may over time become loose. If your veneer begins to suddenly feel loose or start to detach from your natural tooth, it may be a sign of tooth decay. Restoring the health of your natural tooth will be essential before getting your veneers replaced.
Is Veneer Replacement Painful?
Getting veneers placed is not overly painful for the average patient. However, Dr. Schmid prioritizes patient comfort and safety during each procedure. If local anesthesia is needed by the patient, it will be given to ensure that their veneer replacement procedure is a painless process. There should be no discomfort felt during the procedure. However, during their recovery period, patients may have to adjust to the feeling of new veneers once again.
How Many Times Can You Replace Veneers?
Depending on what age you first received veneers and the quality of veneers you received, you may have this treatment done several times throughout your life. Provided that you have healthy, stable tooth structure beneath the veneer, replacement should be possible with very little risk. Dr. Schmid performs a careful evaluation of the teeth and gums prior to performing dental veneer treatment.
What Happens When Veneers Need Replacing?
When the time comes to have your veneers replaced, you can expect a familiar process. The primary difference between veneer replacement and your initial veneer procedure is that the dentist will remove the thin sheets of porcelain that are attached to your teeth before moving on to the next step in your treatment. After removing the veneers, Dr. Schmid may gently file the bonding agent that adhered your previous veneers to your enamel. New impressions are taken, and you can discuss color preferences. A shade chart may be used to ensure that your new veneers match the color of surrounding teeth. If you’re interested in revamping your smile a little more dramatically, you might discuss having un-veneered teeth whitened as a part of your replacement process. Using input regarding shade and your new impressions, we’ll send a model of your teeth to the dental lab, where your replacement veneers will be custom-made. In the interim, you’ll wear temporary veneers to protect your teeth.
Can You Go Back to Normal Teeth After Veneers?
Your teeth will not go back to normal after having veneers placed, no. To ensure the most lifelike appearance, the enamel of veneered teeth is reduced. The amount of enamel that is removed from the teeth is very minimal. However, it does not “grow back.” Your teeth cannot remineralize to the extent that they return to normal. Therefore, porcelain veneer treatment is viewed as permanent. Even if your veneers don’t last indefinitely, your teeth will forever be altered. This is why replacement is necessary. Removing veneers without replacement leaves your teeth vulnerable to damage and sensitivity.
Does Insurance Cover Veneer Replacement?
If your veneers have been done purely for cosmetic reasons, it is unlikely that insurance coverage will be available to help cover the cost of replacement. That said, insurance companies may have different policies in place for different situations. It can be fruitful to contact your dental insurance provider for more detailed information regarding your benefits package.
What Are the Different Types of Veneers?
Veneers come in two forms, composite and porcelain. Composite veneers are designed to bond to your tooth to amplify its appearance, while porcelain veneers are made to withstand foods and drinks that are known to cause staining to your teeth.
Why Would I Need Veneers?
Veneers, whether porcelain or composite, are great if you are dealing with a tooth that is chipped, stained, misaligned, uneven, not normally shaped, or spaced.
How to Take Care of Your Veneers
Porcelain veneers can last a long time if you take care of them! It’s important to understand the many ways you can care for your veneers, including:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day
- Floss daily
- Use a fluoride mouth rinse daily
- Don’t snack too much on the sweets
- Avoid chewing on ice
- Have regular dental checkups with Dr. John Schmid every six months
How Dr. John Schmid Can Help
If you believe your porcelain veneers need to be replaced, Dr. Schmid can help. With years of experience and training, he will utilize advanced technology and techniques to deliver exceptional results.
If you are considering cosmetic dentistry options to improve or restore your smile, we offer various treatment options, including:
To fully determine which cosmetic dentistry procedure is right for you, we will meet with you in person to discuss your oral healthcare goals and needs. Together, we will work to create your personalized treatment plan to make sure you get the beautiful smile you want to achieve.
Contact Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry
If you’re in the Austin area, Dr. Schmid and our experienced dental staff can help you. To learn more about your porcelain veneer replacement options, give our office a call at 512-329-5967 to schedule your initial consultation.