Veneers are a great fix for all kinds of cosmetic dental issues, from covering misshapen, crooked, stained or gappy teeth to giving you a brighter, more even looking smile. Before you spend your hard-earned money, however, you may want to do some research on your investment by finding how long veneers actually last.
What are Veneers?
Veneers are thin shells of a material such as porcelain or ceramic that are bonded to the front surface of a tooth or teeth. After a consultation, your teeth are prepared by removing a small layer of enamel and your veneers will be created and fitted in a later visit. Veneers look like your natural teeth, only better!
Types of Veneers
Ceramic or porcelain veneers are the most common types. Each material is durable, easy to color match to the rest of your teeth and resistant to staining. They have their pros and cons, though, and at Discovery Dental, porcelain is most likely to be recommended. Here’s why:
- Porcelain is the more durable material, so will generally last longer than ceramic veneers.
- It is stain resistant.
- It is translucent, giving a more natural look.
How Long do Veneers Last?
Depending on the type of material and care taken, veneers can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years and sometimes even longer. Let’s break it down.
How long do ceramic veneers last?
While they are durable, ceramic veneers are not generally as long lasting as porcelain veneers. You can expect a ceramic veneer to last around 10 years.
How long do porcelain veneers last?
Porcelain veneers are currently the dentist-preferred material for their natural look and durability. With care, a porcelain veneer will last up to 15 years.
It’s not unheard of for ceramic or porcelain veneers to last even longer than this, sometimes 20 years or more! To ensure a long life for your veneers, it depends on what risk factors you encounter, what you eat and drink and your oral health routine and habits.
Let’s see how you can make your veneers last for as long as possible.
How to Care for Veneers
Here are our top tips to care for your veneers:
- Visit your dentist A regular visit to the dentist can spot any potential issues your veneers might have before the issue gets worse.
- Brush and floss with care A veneer covers the front surface of a tooth but you will still need to make sure you’re brushing and flossing every day. Even though porcelain is stain resistant, it will get discolored over time if not properly cared for. When flossing around a veneer, try pulling the floss all the way through the gap between teeth, not yanking it downwards.
- Avoid damaging your teeth It sounds obvious but to extend the life of your veneers, do not do things that can damage them. This includes biting your fingernails, crunching ice, biting into hard or sticky food with your front teeth and doing things like cutting tape with your teeth. Also, use a mouthguard if engaged in contact sports and ask your dentist about a custom night guard if you’re showing signs of bruxism or teeth grinding.
What Type of Veneers Are Right for Me?
Whether you need a single veneer or a row, schedule a consultation with your dentist to see what options they can offer. Patients in Missoula, MT and surrounding areas can contact Discovery Dental for expert smile design and guaranteed results.