So you’re looking to get veneers and are excited to flash your perfect pearly whites! While it’s definitely an exciting venture, you have to consider that getting veneers is permanent, so there’s no going back once you get them done. That also gets you thinking: How long are your veneers going to last?
When bonded correctly by a reputable professional, veneers are durable and can last for up to 20 years when looked after properly. However, the type of veneers used can impact the longevity of the set.
Here, we’ll guide you through how long you can expect your veneers to last by understanding the different factors that play a role in their longevity.
What are Veneers?
Veneers are thin shells of either ceramic or composite filling material bonded to the front surface of your teeth. They can be used to treat a range of different issues, including chips, cracks, gaps and discolouration, to give you a bright, beautiful and symmetrical smile.
Types of veneers
There are many different types of veneers available to patients. However, we’ll focus on the two main types:
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Composite Veneers
Composite veneers are made using composite resin, a mixture of inorganic (the filler) and organic materials (the initiator, resin, and coupling agent). These veneers require drilling for placement and can be quite challenging for dentists to set. They do not require a temporary filling, which makes them a relatively quick and easy procedure. Composite veneers are less expensive than porcelain veneers but have a shorter lifespan.
How long do composite veneers last?
Composite veneers, being a cheaper option, don’t last as long as other types of veneers, like porcelain veneers. You can expect composite veneers to last between five and seven years when bonded well and looked after correctly.
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Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are the more durable and aesthetic veneers available to clients. Porcelain veneers don’t require any drilling for placement or any temporary fillings, which makes them a quick and easy procedure, too. However, they do come in at a more expensive price, but they last longer, too – so, they’re definitely worth the higher price tag.
How long do porcelain veneers last?
Porcelain veneers are one of the most durable veneers, and you can expect them to last from 8 to 12 years on the surface. In some cases, patients who have looked after their porcelain veneers diligently have seen them last up to 20 years.
What are some care tips for veneers to make them last?
As with most things in life, the better you look after your veneers, the longer they are sure to last. So, here are some tips to help you take proper care of your veneers and help maintain their natural appearance:
- Avoid biting hard objects — While your veneers are strong, they are not bulletproof. Don’t use your teeth as tools and you need to watch what you eat. So, avoid biting or chewing on things like ice, pens, or even fingernails to prevent damaging your perfect smile
- Wear a mouthguard when sleeping — you can’t control what you do in your sleep, and if you’re prone to clenching or grinding your teeth, then consider wearing a mouthguard when you sleep. You can talk to your dentist about getting a custom-fitted mouthguard to protect your veneers
- Practice good oral hygiene—From a young age, dentists have taught people the importance of properly brushing and flossing teeth, and this doesn’t stop once you get veneers. Maintaining good oral hygiene will help keep your veneers in good condition; however, it’s best to use non-abrasive toothpaste to avoid damaging their surface.
- Limit foods and beverages that cause stains — Those who love to eat and drink dark-coloured foods and beverages like red wine, tea, and coffee may start to notice stains on their veneers. To keep your pearly whites in mint condition, try to limit these types of foods and drinks
- Schedule regular dental check-ups — Sticking to your regular visits to the dentists for a check-up goes a long way to ensuring your veneers are in good condition. At your check-up, your dentists can identify any potential issues early on. They may recommend a professional cleaning to remove tartar or plaque buildup around your veneers
Will the veneers need to be replaced?
Even when veneers are bonded entirely to the enamel and looked after, you must replace them somewhere down the line. This is especially true for people who get veneers at a young age. When your dentist replaces your veneers, they’ll be polished off, re-prepared and redone. Replacing your veneers does diminish the enamel on your teeth. This means that in circumstances where there is too little enamel the veneer will be replaced by a crown.
Why do your veneers need to be replaced?
Nothing lasts forever, and after spending the money to get your veneers done, you might expect them to. However, there are a number of reasons why your veneers would need replacing, even if you’ve been looking after them well.
- Your veneers can chip and break after many years as the material weakens over time with daily wear and tear
- Your gums might recede over time, exposing the margin between the veneer and the root, which can stain slightly over the years. For those who show their gum line when smiling and talking, you may notice a brown line
- Your veneers might break if there is a significant change in your bite. This could be due to tooth decay or loss or acid erosion
Final Thoughts
Veneers are pretty durable, and while they will last a long time, they’re not designed to last forever. There are ways to make them last longer than anticipated, like being careful what you eat and drink and practising good oral hygiene. However, you will eventually need to have them replaced approximately every 10 years.
