20 Jan What Causes Porcelain Veneers to Fail?
Dental veneers are a wonderful and affordable solution for minor aesthetic issues, such as chipped teeth, discolored teeth, gapped teeth, or slightly uneven teeth. Veneers San Diego made from porcelain are especially strong and long lasting. Porcelain veneers are thin ceramic shells customized to fit the front side of the teeth, where they’re bonded into place to improve smiles and boost confidence. As long as the individual stays in good health and takes proper care of their teeth, porcelain veneers can last as long as 20 years or more. Unfortunately, veneers do sometimes fail. Here’s why:
San Diego patients also ask: What causes veneers to fail?
In order to understand what causes veneers to fail, it’s important to first understand how they work. First, during the initial visit, the dentist takes an impression of the teeth so the custom veneers can be created to fit perfectly in place. Then on the day of the procedure, the tooth enamel is filed down and texturized a bit to ensure proper bonding of the veneers. The veneers are then applied to the teeth and bonded into place, instantly improving the appearance of the teeth.
Although dental veneers involve a fairly straightforward procedure, it does require precision and skill on the part of the dentist. Not every patient is a candidate for veneers. If the veneers are placed on broken teeth, over the top of insufficient enamel, or on someone who has severe problems with teeth grinding, the veneers will not last. Successful veneers also require the patient to participate in their longevity through proper oral hygiene, healthy habits, and regular visits to the dentist.
Here are a few reasons veneers fail:
- Poor bonding
Veneers are adhered to the enamel of the tooth. If the patient has insufficient enamel or an improperly trained dentist filed the tooth enamel down too much, the veneers will not bond properly to the tooth, leading to failure.
- Tooth decay
When a tooth beneath a veneer becomes decayed, it can weaken and loosen the adhesive, causing the veneer to fall off.
- Infection
Untreated tooth decay, trauma, or other factors can result in an infection of the tooth. In such cases, the veneers and the diseased tooth will need to be removed.
- Bruxism
Bruxism, or teeth grinding, can splinter or break dental veneers. Patients who grind their teeth only at night may be able to keep their veneers intact by wearing a dental guard when they sleep, but if clenching is also a problem during the day, veneers will not be able to withstand the pressure for long.
- Misaligned bite
When a patient has a misaligned bite, it’s important to have this corrected before veneers are put into place. Although porcelain veneers can address the appearance of minor alignment issues, they cannot actually change the position of the teeth. When veneers are placed on teeth with significant alignment issues, they are likely to fail.
- Injury
Any tooth injury by way of collision in contact sports, car accident, a trip and fall or other accident causing trauma to the teeth will also affect the veneers. Veneers that are broken, cracked, or splintered will need to be replaced.
- Wear and tear
Well-maintained veneers can last for decades. Proper brushing and flossing, and regular visits to the dentist will go a long way toward optimizing oral health and ensuring the longevity of veneers. But certain habits, such as chewing on pens or ice, or tearing open packages with your teeth can damage veneers.
Porcelain veneers in San Diego at University Dental
Whether you need veneers for the first time, or you need your veneers replaced, it’s important that you choose a highly trained and experienced dentist who can help ensure that they last for as long as possible. At University Dental in San Diego, Dr. Hage works with skill and precision, providing his patients with the top notch care and excellent service. During your consultation, he’ll perform a thorough evaluation of your teeth and mouth, listen to your concerns, and discuss your options for enhancing your smile and optimizing your oral health. For more information on dental veneers or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Hage, give us a call at 619-582-4224 today.