How Long Do Porcelain Veneers Last? Get Answers & Tips Here
Cosmetic dentistry has been gaining popularity over the years. Of all the cosmetic dental options available, dental veneers are one of the most requested procedures. Dental veneers aim to improve your teeth’ shape, colour, and overall appearance. In particular, porcelain veneers are considered the gold standard for cosmetic dentistry.
But how long do porcelain veneers last? If you’re considering getting veneers, one of the things you need to know is how long they last. We’ll cover all you need to be aware of porcelain veneers, the factors that affect their longevity, and how long they typically last.
What Are Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are specifically crafted with medical-grade ceramic to fit seamlessly on the visible surfaces of your teeth, providing a perfect blend that offers improved aesthetics and better oral health. Porcelain veneers are typically used to enhance the look of teeth that are discoloured, unevenly spaced, chipped or worn down. They can also change the shape and length of teeth by filling gaps and crooked teeth. Veneers are known for their ability to improve the overall appearance of your smile. Traditional porcelain veneers require some tooth reduction, which means that a small amount of the enamel on the front surface of the teeth is removed before the veneers are attached.
How Long Do Veneers Last?
On average, porcelain veneers can last anywhere from 10 to 15 years with proper care and maintenance. That means maintaining good oral hygiene habits, such as regular brushing and flossing and visiting your cosmetic dentist for routine check-ups. Sometimes, veneers may need to be replaced due to chipping or cracking, but this can often be fixed with dental bonding or a dental crown. Ultimately, the lifespan of your porcelain veneers depends on how well you take care of them, but with proper attention, they can provide you with a beautiful smile for years to come.
What Can Impact The Lifespan Of Porcelain Veneers?
It’s important to note that several factors can impact the lifespan of porcelain veneers. Here are some factors to consider:
Tooth enamel: Porcelain veneers are bonded to the surface of your teeth but rely on a strong foundation of healthy tooth enamel. If your tooth enamel is weakened due to factors like acid erosion or teeth grinding, it can make it more difficult for the veneers to adhere properly.
Teeth whitening: While porcelain is a stain-resistant material, it can still be affected by teeth whitening treatments. If you plan on whitening your teeth, it’s best to do so before getting veneers so that your dentist can match the shade of your veneers to your brightened teeth.
Gum disease: Maintaining healthy gums is important for the longevity of your porcelain veneers. If you are suffering from any form of gum disease, it is likely that your gums will recede and expose the edges of your veneers, which can be unsightly and compromise the structural integrity of the veneers.
Healthy gums: Besides preventing gum disease, it’s important to maintain overall gum health. That means brushing and flossing regularly, getting professional cleanings, and avoiding habits like smoking that can weaken your gums.
Tooth decay: While porcelain veneers themselves are not susceptible to decay, the underlying teeth they are bonded to can still be affected by cavities. It’s important to maintain good dental hygiene and visit your dentist regularly for check-ups to prevent tooth decay from compromising the durability of your veneers.
Keep Your Porcelain Veneers Looking Their Best With These Easy Maintenance Tips!
Porcelain veneers are certainly resilient. However, they can still be chipped or cracked if you bite down on hard items like ice cubes or pens. To protect your natural teeth and porcelain veneers from any damage due to grinding at night, consider wearing a mouthguard while you sleep!
Tip # 2 Watch What You Eat And Drink
Keeping a balanced diet is beneficial not only for your general well-being but also for your veneers. Avoid sugar and acidic drinks or meals that can ruin the polish of your porcelain shells. If you still decide to take these kinds of products, make sure to rinse with plenty of water after consumption to stop bacteria from proliferating and decaying any tooth structure underneath the veneer surface.
Tip # 3 Schedule Regular Check-ups With Your Dentist.
It’s important to keep up with your regular dental appointments to ensure the overall health of your teeth and gums and the longevity of your veneers. Your dentist will be able to monitor the condition of your veneers, clean off any stubborn stains or plaque, and recommend any necessary repairs or maintenance procedures.
Tip # 4 Consider Touch-Ups Or Replacements
Over time, your porcelain veneers may start to show signs of wear and tear. If your veneers become stained or damaged, contact your dentist as soon as possible to discuss your options. They may recommend touch-up procedures, such as teeth whitening or polishing, or recommend full or partial replacements if the damage is too significant.
Replacing An Older Set Of Veneers
Porcelain veneers, in particular, are known for their durability and natural appearance. However, the dental enamel beneath the veneers may wear down over time, causing a shift in colour or shape. In such cases, replacing the older set of veneers becomes necessary. That is often much less intensive than standard treatment plans and can greatly impact your self-confidence. If you’re experiencing any concerns with the appearance or functionality of your veneers, don’t hesitate to contact your dentist for a consultation. Together, you can discuss a solution that’ll help you achieve your desired smile.
Considerations For Dental Veneers Cost
We’ll discuss the factors that affect the price of porcelain veneers, so you can decide whether they are the right solution for you.
Material
The material you choose for your dental veneers is an essential factor that will have a lasting impact on cost. Generally, porcelain veneers are more expensive than composite resin veneers. Porcelain veneers are made from high-quality, durable, and long-lasting materials that look and feel like natural teeth. Composite resin veneers are cheaper, but they last for a shorter time than porcelain.
Number Of Teeth
The number of teeth that need veneers is another significant factor that affects the overall cost.
The more teeth you want to cover, the higher the price. The price may be more manageable if you only want to cover one or two teeth.
However, if you’re going to cover all of your teeth, the cost can add up quickly. It’s important to talk to your dentist and develop a plan that addresses your needs, budget, and goals.
Location
The location of your dental practice is another essential factor that affects the price of veneers. The cost of living, the cost of renting the office space, and the general overheads for the practice, all play a role in determining the price of veneers. For example, dental practices in urban areas are more expensive than those in rural areas.
Additional Procedures
In some cases, you may need additional procedures to prepare your teeth for veneers, such as teeth whitening or orthodontics. These procedures can add to the overall cost of your veneers. Discussing the additional procedures with your dentist and creating a comprehensive plan that meets your needs and budget is important.
Experience Of The Dentist
Finally, the dentist’s experience is an essential factor affecting veneers price. An experienced dentist specialising in cosmetic dentistry may charge more than a general dentist. However, an experienced dentist may also be more adept at creating a more natural and aesthetically pleasing smile.
What To Expect During Your Follow-Up Visits With the Dentist
Having porcelain veneers is a major dental investment, and it’s entirely natural to wonder what comes next. After all, maintaining those perfectly crafted pearly whites is just as important as getting them in the first place.
During follow-up visits with your dentist, you can expect a thorough examination of your veneers to ensure they’re still in good condition. Advanced imaging technology may be used to check for any potential issues, and your dentist will likely clean and polish your teeth while advising you on keeping your veneers looking their best.
Overall, you can expect your follow-up visits to be both informative and practical, giving you the confidence and knowledge to care for your new smile.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the lifespan of porcelain and composite resin veneers depends on various factors, such as oral hygiene, diet, and other habits. However, porcelain veneers are not only more durable and resistant to staining, but they also outlast composite resin veneers. On average, porcelain veneers provide enduring results of up to 10-15 years, while composite resin veneers may need to be replaced after 5-7 years.
Ultimately, deciding between porcelain or composite resin veneers should be made after a thorough consultation with a qualified dental professional to determine individual needs and preferences. Transform your smile with Casey Dentists’ premium quality porcelain veneers.
Book now for a unique and personalised experience with our expert dentists. Contact us at (07) 4801 7035.
References
Dental Veneers: Porcelain Veneer Uses, Procedure, and More https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/veneers#1
Veneers: What Are Dental Veneers? Cost, Procedure & Advantages https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/23522-dental-veneers
Dental Veneers: Benefits, Procedure, Costs, and Results https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-veneers#cost
