Dental veneers offer a reliable path toward a radiant, symmetrical smile. Over time, however, everyday use or accidental impacts take a toll on veneers. Many individuals wonder if old shells can come off safely without damaging their underlying teeth.
Cosmetic dentists regularly remove and replace aging dental laminates to keep your teeth looking fresh and healthy.
Reasons to Replace Old Veneers
Dental materials do not last forever. While high-grade porcelain dental veneers resist stains and hold up against daily chewing forces, natural teeth beneath them still change over the years.
Gum recession occurs naturally with aging. In some cases, it uncovers the point at which the veneer and tooth root come into contact, forming a dark line or a space. Plaque accumulates in this area due to the formation of the gap, resulting in tooth margin decay.
The reason for a replacement is physical damage as well. Despite the exceptional durability of porcelain dental veneers, it is quite possible to chip them when biting something particularly firm or grinding teeth at night.
Once a veneer cracks, replacing the entire piece protects the tooth surface underneath.
How Dentists Remove and Swap Veneers
Replacing a veneer involves a precise clinical procedure designed to preserve maximum healthy enamel. Cosmetic dentists complete this process in a few straightforward steps:
- The dentist examines the health of the underlying tooth structure and takes digital images.
- Special dental handpieces or lasers are used by the dentist to carefully remove the bonding resin or existing porcelain without damaging the enamel of the tooth.
- The dentist then cleans off any excess cement, shapes the tooth, and takes a precise digital impression of the prepared tooth.
- If needed, the dentist may place a temporary veneer while the permanent restoration is being fabricated.
- The dentist will check the color and fit of the tooth, then permanently attach it with special resin cement.
Because veneer placement may involve some enamel preparation, replacement options depend on how much tooth structure was altered and the condition of the underlying tooth. Your dentist can determine whether a new veneer or another restoration is appropriate.
Why Choose Porcelain Dental Veneers Again?
When replacing older dental covers, patients almost always choose upgraded porcelain dental veneers. Modern dental ceramics offer far superior aesthetics compared to materials used decades ago.
Modern porcelain material looks the same as natural tooth enamel. Other than the visible imitation, it also resembles the light-reflecting factor of natural teeth while providing excellent resistance against stains from tea, coffee, and wine.
It also bonds effortlessly with the tooth enamel and does not break off unexpectedly.
Extending the Lifespan of New Veneers
On average, top-quality porcelain dental veneers last anywhere from ten to fifteen years with proper care.
Extending their life depends on smart daily habits. Brush twice daily with a nonabrasive fluoride toothpaste and clean between teeth with regular dental floss. Wearing a custom nightguard protects new porcelain from nighttime clenching forces.
Summing Up
Old or damaged veneers never mean the end of a great smile. Cosmetic dentistry has come a long way with safe removal procedures to make an upgrade convenient and straightforward.
Get in touch with the team at Mabrito Dental for additional information on replacing old porcelain veneers. Call us today at (713) 528-0567.