At Island Dental Associates, porcelain veneer procedures are just one of the cosmetic dentistry we offer, and it is one of the most popular for many reasons. Porcelain veneers can solve a multitude of problems at once, and whether you’re experiencing discoloration, broken teeth, crooked teeth, or gapped teeth, a set of porcelain veneers can leave you with the smile you’ve always wanted. However, porcelain veneers are an investment in your smile, and as with any investment, they are one you’ll want to keep sound throughout their lifetime.

A set of porcelain veneers can last quite a long time, but this will only ring true if you properly care for your teeth. One recent study showed that 94% of patients in the US who have received porcelain veneers still loved their results 12 years later, and some even stated their veneers were still going strong after hitting the 20 year mark. During the course of your lifetime with porcelain veneers, you may need to have one or multiple veneers repaired, but this can be best avoided if you make sure to take the proper care.

First and foremost, a diligent oral hygiene routine is a must with veneers. While plaque and decay can’t harm the porcelain itself, it can harm the tooth holding the veneer in place, and this occurs when decay is allowed to go on under the veneer itself. In many instances, plaque can travel into small spaces separating the veneer from the tooth at the gum line, and this will lead to decay occurring on the underlying tooth. When this decay occurs, the tooth loses its strength and structure to hold the veneer, causing a situation where the veneer may fail to last. In order to avoid this, it is best to keep a strict brushing and flossing routine to keep plaque from accumulating on the veneer and away from the gum line, as this will give you your best chance of keeping the tooth in good shape.

In order to limit veneer breakage, it’s also important to not partake in any heavy biting or chewing on the veneer area, although normal chewing is fine. A particularly heavy bite, or an intense chewing session, may cause the porcelain of the veneer to crack, chip, or weaken, causing you to find yourself in need of a veneer repair.

At Island Dental Associates we offer porcelain veneer procedures to all of our Long Island area patients who may wish to improve their smile and uplift their confidence, and you’ll want to make sure your veneers are well taken care of if you wish for them to last through the long haul!