Traditional porcelain veneers should last at least 10 years (in some cases, as long as 20). However, bad veneers will need replacing sooner. Failing to replace your dental veneers could lead to oral health issues.
Not sure if you need new veneers? Here are seven signs you have bad dental veneers that need replacing.
If these issues sound familiar, visit your dentist right away.
1. Visible Space
Bad oral hygiene and gingivitis (gum disease) can cause your gums to recede away from your teeth. Your teeth could become loose as your gum disease progresses. As a result, your dental veneers might separate from your gums, causing a visible gap.
Over time, the gap can become discolored. It might even change the appearance of your smile. If these issues sound familiar, it’s possible you have gum disease. Other symptoms of gum disease include:
- Bad breath
- Tender, swollen, or red gums
- Partial dentures that no longer fit
- Sensitive teeth
- Pus between the gums and teeth
- Loose teeth
- A change in your bite
- Gums that bleed when you brush/floss
- Pain when chewing
If these symptoms sound familiar, visit your dentist right away. Otherwise, your gum disease will continue to progress. As the gaps get larger, your risk of losing teeth will increase.
If your teeth begin falling out, you’ll require more expensive procedures, such as dental implants.
Gum disease can also increase your risk of lung disease, diabetes, stroke, and heart disease. Seeking treatment right away can benefit your oral and overall health.
2. Chips or Cracks
Remember, your porcelain veneers should last for 10 years or more. After all, they’re made from a very durable material. Despite their durability, they can crack or chip the same way your natural teeth do.
Your dental veneers may sustain damage due to:
- A sporting injury
- Biting down on hard food or ice
- Bad oral hygiene habits
- Teeth grinding
It’s normal to sustain some minor wear and tear if you’ve had your dental veneers for some time. Make sure to schedule routine dental check-ups. Your dentist can assess your veneers to ensure they haven’t sustained serious damage.
If your veneers become chipped, it could affect your ability to eat and chew.
Your dentist can fix your dental veneers before they cause additional issues.
3. Discoloration
Your veneers are attached to your teeth using special dental cement. However, the cement can become darker over time. When the cement shows through the veneer, your tooth will appear darker as well.
Once this discoloration develops, brushing and flossing won’t reverse it. Instead, you’ll need to schedule an appointment with your dentist.
Though there are different types of veneers, most are made from a stain-resistant material. Even these veneers are prone to some wear and tear or staining. For example, food particles might get trapped between your teeth.
Food particles, saliva, and bacteria can cause plaque, leading to discoloration.
Drinking coffee, tea, wine, or smoking can also cause discoloration.
If you’re unhappy with the appearance of your dental veneers, talk to your dentist. They can recommend new veneers and changes to your dental health routine. Improving your routine could help you avoid stains and discoloration in the future.
4. Tooth Decay
Dental veneers are designed to fit onto an underlying tooth. They’re meant to block decay-causing bacteria that would otherwise affect the existing tooth. If the veneer becomes loose, however, the supporting tooth can become decayed.
When this happens, the veneer can become detached.
Visit your dentist if this occurs. They’ll remove the veneer, treat the decay, and install a replacement.
During your appointment, talk to your dentist about Lumineers vs Dental Veneers. They can help you make an informed choice based on your needs.
5. Loose Veneers
Remember, special cement will help keep your dental veneer in place. However, the cement can wear away over time. As a result, you might notice the veneer feels a little loose.
A veneer might become loose if you’re not brushing and flossing daily. Make sure to visit your dentist for routine check-ups. Neglecting your oral health routine can cause tooth decay.
Remember, underlying tooth decay might cause your veneer to become detached.
Other habits, like biting on ice or eating certain foods, can also cause the veneer to become loose. If it becomes loose, it could eventually fall off.
Talk to your dentist about your daily routine and oral health habits. With their help, you can make sure your new veneers last longer.
6. Rough Texture
Over time, you might notice some wear and tear around the edges of your dental cover. The veneer might feel rough when you run your tongue over it. If the veneer’s texture changes, it could affect the way you chew your food.
The veneer might change in shape as well. These changes can cause the veneers to appear smaller in size.
If you’ve noticed any changes to your veneer’s size or texture, consult your doctor. They might determine you need new veneers.
7. Discomfort
Your dental veneers should feel like your natural teeth. If you experience discomfort, consider it a red flag. For example, your discomfort could be a sign of tooth decay.
It’s important to visit a dentist as soon as possible before more serious problems develop.
If your veneers are uncomfortable or they’re making it difficult for you to eat, visit your dentist.
Bad Veneers: Replace Your Veneers Now
Do these signs of bad veneers sound familiar? Remember, you should replace your veneers the moment you experience issues. Otherwise, you could experience oral health issues in the future.
Visit your dentist today to discuss replacing your porcelain veneers.
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