Even after you've chosen the most durable porcelain veneers to improve your smile, you've only got an average of 15 years of use before you'll need to plan for replacing the veneer. Taking extra care of your veneers allows you to squeeze a few more years out of those veneers without living with discoloration or stains. Get the most out of each set of veneers you have installed with these four tips:

Controlling Stains

Porcelain materials stain nearly as easily as your natural teeth, and composite materials may pick up pigments from food and drink even easier than healthy enamel. Stains are one of the most common reasons dental patients want repairs or replacements before the first decade of use of their veneers. Stains can look even more intense and noticeable on a veneer, so you'll want to limit your intake of the most staining substances. Swapping red wine for a white variety, dropping the morning coffee habit, and finally quitting smoking all keep your veneers looking good past the decade mark.

Preventing Grinding Damage

One of the biggest threats to an otherwise perfect set of veneers is a tooth grinding habit. Whether you find yourself clenching your jaws in the middle of the day or wake up with soreness in the morning, you need to address this cause of ongoing tooth damage before you find your veneers delaminating due to the stress. Wearing a custom-made night guard is the best way to prevent overnight damage, and you may need a day guard as well if your dentist recommends it.

Visiting the Dentist

It's often a simple matter to fix a problem developing with a veneer as long as the dentist catches it early on. Waiting more than six months to see your dentist increases the chances of a tiny hairline fracture turning into a loose veneer or a cracked piece of porcelain. Your dentist's cleaning routine also safely scours the surface of the veneers to remove staining residues. Waiting too long increases the chances of a subtle stain becoming permanent.

Choosing the Installer

Finally, taking extra care during the installation phase pays off handsomely when it comes to long-term stability in veneers. One study found that veneers placed by student dentists were up to 80% more likely to fail during the first decade of use than those installed by experienced dentists. You might save a little money with a student dentist, but you'll spend more in the long run to keep your smile looking healthy.

Contact a dental office like Beck Pearce Dental for more information and assistance.