Our teeth undergo lots of wear and tear as we age, and sometimes they show the signs of a life well-lived. They can become cracked, chipped, decayed, discoloured or broken over time, which is where dental veneers can make a big difference to the quality of your smile. Dental veneers are a convenient form of cosmetic dentistry that requires minimal downtime but transform your smile into something symmetrical. They won’t however, last forever, so let’s try to answer the question of how long do veneers last.
What Are Veneers?
Dental veneers are thin covers or shells that are made from different substances, so it’s understandable that patients want to know how long do veneers last. They are bonded to the front of the teeth that need cosmetic dentistry, effectively covering up any imperfections but they do not last forever.
Dental veneers also preserve and work with your natural tooth as a base, unlike tooth replacements.
Different Types Of Materials
The most commonly used materials for dental veneers are porcelain, ceramic and composite resin. Ask your dental practitioner how long different materials last so you can make an informed decision for your long term dental health.
Porcelain
Porcelain veneers are the most sought after because they are strong and long-lasting. They also reflect natural light in the same way as your other teeth so the people around you probably won’t even notice.
How long do veneers last? They may cost more but with good care, you may expect your porcelain veneers to last for up to 25 years before they need to be replaced. Porcelain veneers requires little to no maintenance and are easy to match the colour and shape so they blend in imperceptibly.
Composite resin
Composite resin is much softer as a veneer material and does not last as long, but it is quicker to create dental veneers from and the process can be completed in just one visit. Composite resin veneers are more affordable than porcelain.
So, how long do veneers last? With good care and regular visits to the dentist, you can expect porcelain veneers to last for an average of 12 and 25 years before they need to be replaced. Composite resin veneers will last for between four and eight years but may need repairing before that time period has elapsed. Ceramic veneers may last for 20 years.
What Are The Benefits Of Veneers?
Veneers enable you to have a smile makeover with minimal downtime. Dental veneers are usually completed in just two visits to the dentist and are a relatively simple way of correcting issues with your smile.
Are Veneers Right For You?
While veneers are used primarily for cosmetic dentistry, having them fitted can protect a weak or damaged tooth from undergoing further damage. In order to be suitable for veneers, your dentist will expect you to
- Have a good standard of oral health and be free of gum disease
- Have enough healthy tooth enamel
- Follow good oral hygiene practice such as twice daily brushing and flossing
- Maintain your check up appointments with your dentist
What Affects The Lifespan Of Veneers?
How long your veneers last is influenced by :
- The type of material used
- How well you care for your veneers
- Where the veneers are positioned in your mouth
How Long Does The Dental Veneers Procedure Take?
If you are fitting porcelain veneers, you will make two to three visits to your dentist to complete the procedure. If you are fitting composite resin veneers your dentist will be able to complete the procedure on the same day.
At your first visit, your dentist will clean and polish your teeth before removing a small amount of enamel from the teeth that are going to be fitted with veneers. The amount that is removed will be the same thickness as your completed veneers so that your teeth fit comfortably into your mouth.
Then your dentist will take an impression of your mouth and send it off to the laboratory to have the veneers made. When your veneers are ready you will return to your dentist for the fitting. The surface of each tooth will be prepared before the veneers are bonded carefully to the front of each tooth.
Which Type Of Veneer Is Best For You?
Porcelain and ceramic last for a long time but they may not be affordable for everyone. While composite resin is simpler and cheaper as a veneer material, it is softer and more prone to chipping and damage. Knowing how long do veneers last can help you to make an informed decision to protect your natural teeth. When choosing a material
Ultimately you need to evaluate which dental veneer material is best for your long term needs. Porcelain and ceramic may look more expensive now, but if you factor in the fact that it doesn’t need to be replaced as often, it works out affordably over the rest of your lifetime.
For a more personalised answer to how long do veneers last, or to find out more about your smile makeover options, please contact us for an appointment: (02) 9158 6211.
