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One of the most frequent questions we use to get from patients is how long my treatment will last. This is even more common with cosmetic treatments such as dental veneers. However, while there’s always an estimate for each treatment, multiple factors can affect the duration of the restoration.
Next, you’ll find a short guide with all you need to know about dental veneers lifetime, some practical tips to take care of your treatment, and key factors to avoid.
Dental veneers are thin, customized shells that cover the front part of your teeth to improve their appearance, shape, color, and other aesthetic concerns. They are cosmetic treatments meant to correct discolorations, chips, gaps, and minor irregularities in your teeth.
While there are many materials to choose from, veneers are mainly made from porcelain or composite resin. Each of these materials has its unique properties that directly influence the duration, performance, price, and maintenance of your treatment.
However, veneers are not a universal solution to esthetic problems in front teeth. Therefore, not every patient is eligible for the procedure. Each case is tailored to the patient’s needs, diagnosis, and expectations to provide the most natural and, above all, functional results.
Each case is different and usually has more than one factor influencing the treatment’s lifetime. However, here you have some estimated durability based on current research:
Porcelain veneers are widely known for their durability and aesthetic results. They last between 10 to 15 years on average with the appropriate care and hygiene. Moreover, with an excellent home and professional care, they can last even longer in great shape.
One key advantage of this material is that it can resist stains and bite forces really well while maintaining their sheen over time. However, they’re also considerably more expensive and require more tooth preparation enamel wear to allow space for the new material.
Composite resin veneers are significantly less expensive than their porcelain counterparts. Additionally, they are a considerably more conservative treatment, requiring practically no enamel wear, and can be completed in one visit. Moreover, they can be repaired more easily and quickly than porcelain veneers.
On the other hand, their lifetime tends to be shorter, ranging from 5 to 7 years with excellent care, and they’re more susceptible to staining and wear over time.
Some of the most crucial factors that influence dental veneers durability are:
The duration of your veneers depends directly on the material you choose, as shown previously. Porcelain veneers are stronger and more durable, whereas composite veneers are more cost-effective but less resistant to daily wear.
Good oral hygiene is essential to extend the life of your veneers. The durability of your treatment depends on your capability to keep your gums and restoration free of bacteria and plaque, especially in the area where the veneer merges with your natural teeth.
Without the appropriate oral hygiene routine, plaque will build around your veneers, your gums will get inflamed, and the treatment will eventually fail.
Keep brushing your teeth with fluoride paste at least two times daily and don’t forget to floss and use other complementary tools like water flossers or interproximal brushes to keep your teeth and veneers in perfect shape.
Smoking and eating staining foods and drinks will directly impact your veneer's durability. All these can cause permanent stains, especially with composite resin veneers, creating an unappealing look in your smile.
Also, habits like nail-biting, chewing ice, or biting other hard objects including opening packages with your teeth, can shorten the lifespan of your veneers and induce chippings, fractures, or even dislodgement.
Grinding or clenching your teeth, especially at night, puts an incredible amount of pressure and stress on your veneers. This issue can translate into cracks and chips in your restoration over time if you don’t address it. Nightguards are a great tool to help protect your teeth and veneers against this problem.
The expertise of your dental team and the quality of the procedure are other crucial aspects that can affect the longevity of your veneers. A durable and high-quality restoration involves comprehensive planning, strict clinical protocol, occlusal evaluation, and material selection to guarantee the best results possible.
The treatment starts with a comprehensive evaluation to assess your oral health, current health state, and understand your goals and expectations. This assessment helps our team determine the best treatment plan possible, adapted to your needs and goals.
Typically, this part of the procedure involves taking some digital images, 3D scans, and mock-ups of your expected results.
The clinical procedure usually involves removing a small amount of enamel from the front of your teeth to make space for the veneers. This step is slightly more complex in porcelain veneers as they require a specific geometry and thickness for the new material. Composite veneers, on the other hand, are minimally invasive procedures with little tooth preparation.
Sometimes, if the specialist finds it appropriate, you might require some local anesthesia to avoid sensitivity during the preparation.
In the case of porcelain veneers, once the preparation is done, we take some dental impressions and send them to the dental lab for fabrication.
For composite veneers, the restoration is usually directly sculpted onto the teeth in one appointment by the dentist.
Once the porcelain veneers are finished, they’re bonded to your teeth with high-strength resin cement. After some minor adjustments and polish, the treatment is completed.
Great oral hygiene is the key to keeping any restoration in great shape. You’ll need to treat your veneers as you would treat your natural teeth. Brush and floss carefully every day to avoid damage, decay, and other issues.
Avoid chewing hard objects like pens, bones, and ice. If you practice contact sports, wear a mouthguard to prevent trauma and damage to your restorations. If you suffer from bruxism, use a nightward to keep your veneers safe.
Visit your dentist at least twice yearly to have your professional cleaning done and spot any potential problems early on. Monitoring the integrity of your veneers is a must if you want to enjoy them for many years. Keep in mind that minor issues can often be repaired if they’re caught early.
If your veneers crack, get loose, or get discolored, they’ll need to be replaced. Decay is another significant concern, particularly if it forms around the margin of the tooth. Periodontal problems can also expose the edge of your veneer, affecting the aesthetics and their function.
Yet, the procedure for replacing the veneers is almost the same as the initial procedure with some additional tooth preparation. Also, if the restoration fails due to decay, we’ll need to address the cavity before starting over with the procedure.
Q. How long do veneers last on teeth?
Porcelain veneers typically last 10 to 15 years with the appropriate care and maintenance, while composite veneers can last from 5 to 7 years. Their lifetime will depend on the material, habits, care, and clinical protocol.
Q. Can veneers last a lifetime?
Sadly, no. Veneers are not permanent solutions. As with every other cosmetic dental treatment, they’ll need adjustments, repairments, and eventual replacement. However, you can extend their lifetime as much as possible with excellent care.
Q. Do veneers damage your teeth?
While some enamel is removed, veneers do not damage your teeth when done properly. Although enamel removal is irreversible, most current protocols aim for minimally invasive tooth wear to damage the tooth structure the least possible.
Q. How do I know if my veneers are having problems?
You should always be aware of the state of your restorations and attend dental checkups every six months. Yet, some signs you should be aware of are:
While veneers are not forever, there’s much you can do to extend their lifetime and enjoy a healthy smile for many years.
Keep in mind that your habits, diet, and oral hygiene routine play a vital role in keeping your veneers in excellent shape. Also, visit your dentist at least twice yearly, or if you notice any sign of alarm with your restorations.
