31 Jan Can Seniors Get Veneers?
Our teeth tend can get discolored over time, and may even become misshapen. If you’re interested in improving your smile with more than just whitening, veneers might be for you. This dental restoration can fix a wide variety of minor cosmetic dental issues in patients of all ages, including seniors. Here’s everything you need to know about porcelain veneers for older adults.
What Are Dental Veneers?
A veneer is a thin, custom-made layer of porcelain that is permanently attached to the front of a tooth. Porcelain veneers correct simple imperfections like tooth discoloration, chips, cracks, and irregular shapes. The procedure for getting veneers is a lot like getting a filling or a crown.
The process begins with preparing your teeth by removing some of the enamel. Then we’ll take impressions of your teeth to design the perfect restoration. Next, the veneer is bonded to your tooth using dental cement. We’ll check your bite and make minor adjustments, then you’re ready to show off your new smile!
Although porcelain veneers are available for seniors, to be eligible for veneers you must have healthy teeth and gums. Any decay in the affected tooth or gum disease symptoms must be addressed first, as they could make the restoration fail.
Four Benefits of Veneers for Seniors
1: Boosts Confidence
Minor imperfections in your front teeth can make you feel insecure at any age. Veneers can cover up small cosmetic issues and are colored and shaped to blend in with your existing teeth. They look and feel natural, so you can smile confidently.
2: Minimal Enamel Removal
Other dental restorations, like crowns and bridges, require removing large portions of your natural tooth. This increases the risk of tooth sensitivity, because the nerves inside your teeth need a thick layer of enamel for protection. But with porcelain veneers, your dentist only needs to remove a thin layer of enamel to attach the restoration.
3: Protects Teeth
Porcelain veneers reinforce the tooth underneath, and can strengthen teeth that have been weakened by cracks or chips. They can prevent the existing damage from getting worse, and you won’t have to invest in more expensive or invasive restorations in the future.
4: Low Maintenance Restoration
It’s crucial to take good care of your veneers so you can ensure that they last. Luckily, porcelain veneers require very little maintenance. All you need to do is brush them twice a day along with your natural teeth, and floss daily to prevent gum disease. Dental veneers also resist stains, so they won’t become discolored as easily as natural teeth.
How Long Do Veneers Last?
Porcelain veneers are a good cosmetic option for older adults because they’re durable and long-lasting. With proper care, dental veneers can last around 7 to 10 years. Factors that can shorten the lifespan of veneers include:
- Smoking
- Poor oral hygiene
- Using teeth as tools
- Teeth grinding or clenching
- Eating sticky foods like caramel
- Chewing hard foods like nuts and ice
Porcelain Veneers for Seniors in Sun Lakes, Arizona
Have you lost confidence in your smile? Dr. Saba and Associates can determine if you’re a good candidate for porcelain veneers or another type of treatment that will restore your smile. Dr. Saba is committed to helping seniors in the Sun Lakes community maintain excellent dental health. Call us at 480-895-2111 today to make an appointment.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (1/31/2023). Photo by Ravi Patel on Unsplash