Your Cosmetic Dentist: How Long Do Veneers Last?

Would you like to know the secret to those perfect celebrity smiles? They have porcelain veneers.

Hundreds of thousands of people have opted for veneers to improve their smiles, and that number is growing every year. As cosmetic dentistry advances, veneers look more natural and are more durable than ever before.

But how long do veneers last? Are they a permanent solution for a better smile?

In this post, we’ll answer those questions and more. Read on!

How Long Do Veneers Last?

The short answer is around 10-15 years. After that, most veneers need to be replaced with new ones.

Why? Like natural teeth, dental veneers are subject to damage. Over time, they can be broken, chipped, cracked, or discolored.

Of course, with advances in dentistry come veneers that are better and stronger than ever before. With proper care, you may be able to extend the life of your veneers to 20 or even 30 years.

Tips for Making Veneers Last

To protect your investment–and your smile–here are a few things to do to make your veneers last longer.

1. Maintain an Excellent Oral Care Routine

Your teeth will suffer if you don’t take care of them, and so will your veneers.

If you didn’t already have good hygiene habits, now’s the time to start. Brush your teeth at least twice daily and floss at least once.

It’s also important to keep up with regular visits to your dentist for checkups and cleanings.

2. Don’t Use Your Teeth As Tools

We’re all guilty of it occasionally. Maybe you need to cut or loosen something, but you don’t have scissors nearby, so you use your teeth instead.

When you have veneers, this is a huge no-no. Biting down on something that isn’t food is a sure way to crack or chip those precious veneers.

Keep those scissors, bottle openers, and other tools nearby–and never use your teeth instead.

3. Wear Protection During Contact Sports

If you enjoy playing hockey, football, or other contact sports, veneers won’t affect your ability to play.

However, you should always wear a mouthguard–just in case. If you take a blow to the face, it could damage your veneers.

4. Wear a Nightguard If You Grind Your Teeth

Do you clench or grind your teeth at night?

A lot of us do. “Bruxism” is the technical term for it–and it can be a nightmare for your veneers.

If you tend to grind, be sure to talk to your dentist before you get veneers. If you aren’t already wearing a mouthguard at night, you’ll want to get set up with one before any cosmetic procedures.

Are Porcelain Veneers Right for You?

So, how long do veneers last?

Like your natural teeth, the answers depend much on you. With reasonable precautions and a good routine of dental care, you should be able to enjoy your veneers for many years to come.

Do you have more questions about porcelain veneers? Check out our recent post on the topic.

We also invite you to contact us anytime with questions or concerns.

source https://www.golsendental.com/your-cosmetic-dentist-how-long-do-veneers-last/

Sparkling White: What’s the Best Way to Whiten Teeth Safely?

In our image-obsessed society, whiter teeth are a must. In fact, the global teeth-whitening market is set to be worth US$3.78 billion by 2021. 

While many people opt for professional whitening services, others look to alternative options in their search for the best way to whiten teeth. But, home remedies like baking soda can damage teeth enamel, while whitening strips are often ineffective. 

Here are some of the best ways to remove teeth stains and whiten your teeth safely. 

In-Office Whitening Treatment

If you’re looking for the quickest way to whiten your teeth, an in-office teeth whitening treatment is the way to go. 

One such in-office whitening method is Zoom!, which uses a concentrated hydrogen peroxide gel combined with a special light accelerator. Zoom! offers the most immediate and dramatic results, with a smile up to eight shades whiter in under an hour. 

At-Home Whitening Treatment

For more effective, gradual whitening, an individualized teeth-whitening kit is a sure-fire way to a brighter smile. 

Your dentist will fit you with custom-made trays that you’ll use at home with a whitening gel for whiter teeth within two weeks. This option also allows you to fine-tune the number of applications for the whitest smile possible.

Activated Charcoal

Activated charcoal binds is a popular ingredient in whitening treatments due to the way it absorbs and binds with whatever it comes into contact with. 

It’s nowhere near as effective as professional teeth-whitening. But activated charcoal can help to remove surface teeth stains caused by smoking, foods, and drinks. 

To try it for yourself, apply an activated charcoal paste to your teeth, leave it for around 10 minutes, then rinse and brush away any excess. But remember, charcoal can be abrasive. Make sure you use a charcoal product that’s suitable for your teeth and only use it once or twice a week. 

Turmeric and Coconut Oil

It seems counter-intuitive that a bright yellow herb could help to whiten your teeth. But there is a lot of anecdotal support to suggest that turmeric can remove surface stains.  

And, although no studies have evaluated these claims, turmeric’s anti-bacterial properties can help to fight bacteria in the mouth, making it beneficial for oral health in general. 

To use turmeric as a gentle tooth whitener, mix it with coconut oil and apply it to your teeth to remove surface stains. 

Healthy Dental Habits

The best way to prevent teeth stains and avoid teeth yellowing is to always practice good oral health by following these healthy habits:

• Brush twice a day with an electric toothbrush
• Floss once a day
• Visit the dentist for regular check-ups and cleaning sessions
• Drink plenty of water to encourage saliva flow and avoid dry mouth
• Swish with water after eating and drinking to clear food debris 
• Stop smoking
• Avoid staining foods and drinks like berries and coffee
• Eat foods that support good oral health. These include natural teeth-cleaning foods like apples, carrots and celery, and dairy, which helps strengthen and whiten teeth from within

Even if you’ve had a professional whitening service, you should follow these healthy habits to ensure your teeth continue sparkling for as long as possible. 

The Best Way to Whiten Teeth

Although some home remedies may help to remove surface stains, the best way to whiten teeth will always be professional teeth whitening. 

Not only will you avoid the risk of damaging your teeth with abrasive materials or wasting money on whitening strips, but you’re also guaranteed a whiter smile that lasts. 

If you’re ready for a whiter, brighter smile, contact us to schedule an appointment today!

source https://www.golsendental.com/sparkling-white-whats-the-best-way-to-whiten-teeth-safely/