Having dental veneers fit by qualified cosmetic dentists such as those at The Dental Boutique means you can expect them to last a long time. Though they’re not immortal, veneers are considered a permanent fixture, and they could last 10-30 years when properly looked after.

By practising healthy oral habits every day, and visiting your dentist regularly to ensure your veneers are functioning as they should be, you can extend their lifespan and make the most out of your investment. Of course, there will come a time when your veneer – or veneers – have to be replaced; look out for the following signs and visit a dentist if you notice any.

1. Your gums are pulling back

Issues like gum disease or poor oral hygiene can cause the veneers to separate from the gums, causing a gap or the appearance that the gums are receding. This is a sign that your veneers need to be replaced pretty urgently – because if you do have gum disease, the veneers or the natural teeth could come loose and potentially fall out.

2. The veneers are chipped or cracked

Veneers that are chipped, cracked or just looking a bit worn down are ready to be replaced. Porcelain is durable, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be impacted by biting on hard food, or just become worn over time. Chipped veneers are both an aesthetic and functional issue; they could affect your ability to talk and chew as normal.

3. They feel uncomfortable to wear

If the veneers are not properly custom fit and are too big for your teeth, they can become uncomfortable to wear. They could also overhang and affect your bite. Either way, visit a trusted dental professional to have the issue corrected.

4. The underlying tooth is decayed

Veneers are designed to fit tightly to the underlying tooth, to block out any decay-causing bacteria. However, they can sometimes become a little loose and the supporting tooth can become decayed. In this case, the veneer may start to detach. Your dentist will be able to remove the veneer to treat the decay, before installing a replacement.

5. Your veneers are dark or stained

Just like your natural teeth, highly pigmented food and drink can stain your veneers if consumed excessively. Unfortunately, veneers cannot be whitened in the same way as natural teeth, so if stains are not lifting when you brush, you will need to have them replaced to restore the beautiful smile you once had. Similarly, if the bonding material used to adhere the veneer is beginning to darken over time, it’s time to visit your dentist.

Book a consultation at our Gold Coast dental practice

At The Dental Boutique, we use the latest technology to help our clients achieve their smile goals. Our knowledgeable team is available to answer your questions about cosmetic dentistry or any of our other services, and we can book a consultation in our state-of-the-art facilities. Contact us on (07) 5591 2262 or [email protected].