San Francisco and Marin CA
Veneers are ultra-thin, durable “shells” made of porcelain or composite resin that attach to a tooth’s surface to correct stains, breaks, chips, cracks or small teeth. Veneer treatment is minimally invasive and uses natural teeth as a base to completely transform a smile. Veneers are custom-made to naturally and seamlessly fit into a patient’s smile.
With proper care, veneers can last for many years, but over time, they may need to be replaced. Our San Francisco cosmetic dentist who offers veneers has compiled a list of 5 signs that your veneer may need to be replaced:
Your veneers are stained
Porcelain veneers are durable and resistant to stains. But the cement that is used to adhere the veneer to the tooth’s surface may start showing through the veneer over time, resulting in a dingy smile with dark teeth. Veneers can also absorb stains from the foods and beverages a person consumes, from coffee, tea and wine to dark berries and tomato sauces. The backsides of teeth are not covered by a veneer, so they will continue to stain as natural teeth. As that happens, the color may show through the veneer, creating an overall discolored or stained smile.
Your veneers are chipped, cracked or broken
Regular wear and tear and chips, cracks and breaks from biting and chewing can cause damage to veneers just like they can natural teeth. Once a veneer is damaged, it must be replaced entirely. Worn or damaged veneers warrant a call to our Marin cosmetic dentist for replacement.
Your gums have receded
Gums can recede due to age or oral health issues. This causes a gap between the edge of the veneer and gums, exposing the discolored tooth structure. In this case, a veneer will need to be replaced to cover the gap.
The underlying tooth gets a cavity
Since veneers only cover the surface of a tooth, tooth enamel is still at risk for decay. Also, if a veneer isn’t fitted properly, harmful bacteria can get between the tooth enamel and the veneer. As decay grows, the veneer can loosen and detach.
The veneer becomes loose or falls off
If you use your teeth to open things like packages, a veneer can eventually become loose or fall completely off. As long as the veneer’s shape isn’t compromised, it may be able to be reattached.
Dental veneers in the Bay Area
Sometimes restoring your smile can be as simple as repairing a broken or chipped veneer. If it has been longer than 10 years since the application of your veneer (s), or if the veneer(s) have sustained damage, call our experienced Bay Area dentists at (415) 799-3900.
