By: Dr. Lahiru Chandraweera
May 05, 2023
How Long Do Veneers Last?
Are you considering getting dental veneers but wondering how long they will last? Perhaps you already have veneers and want to know how to maximise their lifespan. Either way, you’ve come to the right place.
In this article, we’ll discuss how long veneers typically last and the factors that can affect their lifespan.
We’ll also provide practical tips on dental veneer maintenance and caring for veneers to help you maximise your investment. So, whether you’re new to veneers or a long-time user, read on to learn more about keeping your smile healthy and bright.
Summary of the Content
- Dental veneers are wafer-thin shells placed over teeth to improve their appearance.
- Two main types of veneers are porcelain and composite.
- Factors that impact the longevity of veneers include the material and quality of veneers, dental hygiene practices, regular dental check-ups, patient lifestyle, and dental health.
- Proper brushing techniques, flossing and mouthwash use, minimising the consumption of stain-causing food and drinks, and regular dental check-ups are essential for maintaining the health of veneers.
- Dental professionals play a crucial role in maintaining veneers through routine dental visits, professional cleaning and maintenance, and addressing common issues such as chipping and staining.
- Signs that it’s time to replace veneers include chipping or cracking, discolouration, gum disease or decay around the veneers, and changes to the alignment of your teeth.
- The process of upgrading veneers involves consultation, preparation, placement, and maintenance.
What Are Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers are thin shells made of durable material, usually porcelain or composite, placed over the front surface of teeth to improve their appearance. Veneers are designed to address a wide range of aesthetic issues, such as tooth discolouration, stains, misshapen or misaligned teeth, gaps between teeth, and minor tooth misalignments.
The dental procedure for getting veneers involves an initial consultation with a dentist to determine whether the patient is a suitable candidate for veneers. If they are, the next step is to prepare the teeth by removing a thin layer of natural tooth enamel from the tooth surface to make room for the veneers. After that, custom-made veneers are created to fit the prepared teeth.
Porcelain and composite veneers are the two main types of veneers.
Porcelain veneers are made from a high-quality, durable material that mimics the appearance and translucency of real teeth, giving patients a natural-looking smile. These long-lasting veneers are more expensive, but they are an excellent choice when it comes to improving the appearance of teeth.
Composite veneers, on the other hand, are made from a tooth-coloured resin composite material that is applied to the surface of the teeth and then sculpted to create the desired shape and appearance. Composite resin veneers are a cheaper alternative to porcelain veneers. They can be completed in a single visit, but they also have a shorter lifespan. Compared to porcelain veneers, they are less durable and may need to be replaced more frequently.
Dental veneers are a popular option for people looking to improve the appearance of their teeth and achieve a brighter, more natural smile. However, proper care and maintenance are needed to make veneers last as long as possible.
Factors that Impact How Long Veneers Last
Several factors can impact the lifespan of dental veneers. Understanding these factors can help you take better care of your veneers so that they look and function well for many years.
- Material and quality of veneers
The material and quality of your veneers can significantly impact how long they last. Porcelain veneers are often more durable and longer-lasting than composite resin veneers. Additionally, the quality of the porcelain or composite resin materials used in your veneers can impact their lifespan. High-quality veneer materials and proper placement lead to dental veneers that last for years. - Oral hygiene practices
Proper oral hygiene habits are essential to the longevity of veneers. Good brushing and flossing habits can help prevent decay and other issues that can impact the health of your natural teeth and your veneers. It’s important to brush twice a day and floss regularly, taking care to clean around your veneers. Using non-abrasive toothpaste can also help prevent damage to your veneers. - Regular dental check-ups
Regular dental check-ups are crucial to the long-term health of your veneers. Your dentist can identify issues early on and address them before they become major problems. Regular cleanings can also help prevent issues that could impact your veneers. - Patient lifestyle and habits
Lifestyle factors can impact how long veneers last. Individuals who grind or clench their teeth may be at a higher risk for chips and other veneer issues. Additionally, eating hard or crunchy foods or using your teeth as tools, like a bottle opener, can cause damage to your veneers. - Dental health
Dental health can also impact the lifespan of your veneers. People with existing dental issues or who have had numerous dental treatments may be at a higher risk for issues with their veneers.
Dental Veneer Maintenance: How To Care for Your Veneers
Dental veneers are an excellent cosmetic dentistry treatment for people who are looking to improve the appearance of their teeth. They can cover imperfections and help achieve a brighter, more beautiful smile. However, proper care and maintenance are essential to maximising the lifespan of your veneers.
- Proper brushing techniques
When brushing your teeth, using a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste is essential. Brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes, paying extra attention to the area around the veneers. Brushing too hard can damage the bonding material and the tooth surface, so be sure to use a gentle touch. - Flossing and mouthwash use
Flossing once a day is essential for removing food particles and plaque from between teeth and around the gum line. Using mouthwash can help kill bacteria and freshen your breath. - Minimising staining
Veneers can become stained with prolonged and continuous consumption of foods and drinks such as coffee, tea, and red wine. Minimise staining by avoiding these beverages or rinsing your mouth with water afterwards. Quitting smoking is another way to reduce staining and improve overall dental health. - Regular dental check-ups
It is important to schedule regular dental cleanings and check-ups with your dentist to maintain the health of your veneers. During these visits, the dentist can monitor the veneers’ condition and address any issues before they become major problems. Your dentist can also guide you on how to care for your veneers and recommend products and techniques to help maintain them.
By following these tips, you can maximise the lifespan of your veneers and keep your beautiful, brighter smile. Remember that proper dental care and maintenance, along with regular check-ups, are crucial for maintaining the health of your veneers and overall dental health.
The Role of Your Dental Professional in Maintaining Veneers
Dental veneers can transform your smile by providing a viable treatment for cosmetic issues such as teeth misalignment, chipped teeth, stained teeth, uneven teeth and more. However, like any dental treatment, veneers require proper care and maintenance to prolong their lifespan.
If you’re wondering, “how long do veneers last?” The answer depends on several factors, such as the treatment process, type of veneer material, and dental veneer maintenance. With proper care and maintenance, porcelain veneers can last 10-15 years, while composite veneers can last 5-7 years.
In order for your veneers to last a reasonable time, your dentist plays a crucial role in maintaining them. Here are some ways that your dentist can help:
Routine dental visits
Regular dental check-ups are essential to maintain a healthy mouth and detect underlying dental problems. When you have veneers, routine dental visits become even more critical.
During dental appointments, your dentist will examine your veneers for any issues and see to it that they function properly. Your dentist will also evaluate your bite and other oral tissues to determine if the veneers are not causing any functional issues.
Professional cleaning and maintenance
Professional cleaning and maintenance of your veneers are crucial to keep them looking and functioning at their best. Your dentist will use specialised instruments to clean your veneers, remove plaque and tartar buildup, and polish them to keep them shiny and smooth. Your dentist may also recommend caring tips for veneers, such as avoiding hard foods that can cause them to chip.
While veneers are durable and can withstand normal wear and tear, they are not indestructible. Veneers have a risk of chips, and in case of any damage, your dentist can perform veneer restoration or replacement as necessary.
Common Issues and Solutions for Veneer Problems
Even with proper care and maintenance, veneers may experience common issues.
Chipping and cracking
Chipping and cracking of veneers can occur due to various reasons such as teeth grinding, biting hard objects, or trauma to the mouth.
Some of the ways to manage chipping and cracking veneers include:
- Seeking dental care immediately to avoid further damage
- In some cases, a minor repair may be needed, while a replacement may be necessary in other cases.
Discolouration and staining
Discolouration and staining can also be common issues with veneers, especially if they are not properly maintained. Porcelain veneers are stain-resistant. However, with prolonged consumption of staining food and drinks, the cement that attaches the veneers to the teeth can discolour and cause veneer discolouration. On the other hand, composite veneers are more prone to staining.
Here are ways to manage discolouration and staining of veneers:
- Regular cleaning and maintenance of veneers
- Avoid foods that can discolour teeth, like coffee, tea and red wine
- Regular visits to your dental professional for cleanings and check-ups
Replacing and Upgrading Veneers
As with any dental treatment, veneers are not permanent and will eventually need to be replaced or upgraded. In this section, we’ll discuss when to replace your veneers and the process of upgrading them.
Signs it’s time for a replacement
While veneers can last for several years with proper care, there are certain signs that it’s time to consider replacing them. These signs include:
- Chipping or cracking of the veneers
- Discolouration that cannot be remedied with a professional cleaning
- Gum disease or tooth decay around the veneers
- Changes to the alignment of your teeth that affect the appearance of the veneers
- The lifespan of your veneers has expired (more on this below)
If you’re experiencing any of these issues, consult your dentist to determine if it’s time to replace your veneers.
The process of upgrading your veneers
If you’ve decided to upgrade your veneers, the process is typically simple. Here’s what you can expect:
- Consultation:
The first step is to visit your dentist to discuss your options and determine the most suitable type of veneer for your needs. Your dentist may recommend different types of veneers based on your circumstances. Your dentist will then design a treatment plan that includes the type of veneer material to be used, the cost of treatment, and other details regarding the treatment. - Tooth Preparation:
Once you’ve decided on the type of veneers, your dentist will prepare your teeth by removing a thin layer of dental enamel tooth structure to make room for the veneers. If necessary, temporary veneers may be placed while your final veneers are created. - Placement:
Once your final dental veneers are ready, your dentist will place them on your teeth using strong dental cement. Your dentist will make certain the veneers are a good fit and make any necessary adjustments before attaching them to your teeth. - Maintenance:
After your new veneers are in place, practising good dental veneer maintenance is important for their longevity. This includes regular brushing and flossing, avoiding foods that can cause staining, and wearing a night guard if you grind your teeth. By caring for veneers properly, you can extend their lifespan and enjoy your beautiful new smile.
Final Thoughts
Dental veneers can be a great option for everyone looking to enhance the appearance of their teeth. However, like any dental treatment, veneers are not permanent and require regular dental veneer maintenance to maintain their look and function.
Knowing the signs that it’s time to replace your veneers and understanding veneer lifespan factors can help you make informed decisions about your dental health.
At Hills Family Dental Centre, we understand the importance of maintaining healthy and beautiful teeth. Our team of experienced dentists and staff are dedicated to providing quality care and education to our patients. If you’re considering veneers or have questions about caring for veneers, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with our team.
Remember, proper dental veneer maintenance is a simple process that can help restore your confidence in your smile and improve your overall dental health. By taking the necessary steps to care for your veneers and consulting with your dentist regularly, you can enjoy their benefits for years.
