How Long Do Porcelain Veneers Last? What You Should Know

Everyone deserves to have a smile they’re proud to show to the world. For some people, Porcelain Veneers are the way they can make it possible. They’re great for restoring teeth and give people beautiful, natural-looking results.

If you happen to struggle with gaps, stains, cracks, or minor misalignment in your teeth, these custom-made shells are a great solution to consider among your options. 

So, we’ll explain some details about it for you to have more info on this dental treatment. Like how long do Porcelain Veneers last and the things you can do to give them maintenance.

Porcelain Veneers tend to last from 15 to 20 years with proper maintenance. It mostly depends on the material they’re made out of. 

3 Types of Veneers and Their Longevity

To know how long do Porcelain Veneers last, you have to turn to the materials they’re made of. There are some options you can choose from. That’s why it’s crucial to have a talk with your dentist and explore which is best for your smile.

The following are types of veneers and their respective lifespan:

1.- Porcelain veneers

This type of veneer is better known for its durability. Porcelain is a material that allows dentists to give you more natural-looking results. These shells are thin, strong, and translucent. They tend to last from 10 to 20 years with proper care.

2.- Composite veneers

Resin-based composite veneers don’t require as much enamel to be removed as the previous one. Although these veneers can be easily repaired if something happens to them, they aren’t very durable. The lifespan for composite veneers is about five years or more if you’re very careful with them.  

3.- No-prep veneers

One of the significant characteristics of no-prep veneers is that a good quantity of your enamel can be saved. Just like their name says, this type of veneer doesn’t need extensive preparation before placing them on. The procedure is relatively fast, and the results can last over ten years.

4.- Things That Can Affect Veneer’s Durability 

At times, you can forget that most of the things you do in daily life can affect your teeth. Once you get a dental treatment, it’s best to take it for granted to get the most out of the results. 

The following are some of the things that could affect the longevity of your veneers:

1. Dental hygiene:  Your veneers need the same care you should give to your natural teeth. You must brush twice a day and floss at least once, along with dental check-ups at least every six months.
2. Bruxism: or also commonly known as tooth grinding, it’s quite an issue for veneers. The pressure generated from grinding can break your veneers. To protect them, you can wear a night mouth guard that’ll prevent them from becoming loose.
3. Teeth aren’t tools: for starters, using your teeth as a tool, it’s one of the main reasons why people visit the dentist. Biting your nails, using them as scissors or bottle-openers can cause significant damage to your veneers and natural teeth.
4. Hard foods: It’s best to avoid biting hard candies, ice, or nuts.

When Do Veneers Need Replacement?

Although Porcelain Veneers can last for many years, they’re not permanent and will eventually need restoration. These are some indicators that it might be time to contact the dentist for a replacement:

• Loose veneers: you must get a replacement to avoid damage to the natural teeth as bacteria could reach them, cause decay and destroy it.
• Cracked veneer: if you see any visible damage, it’s also time to get a replacement to stop bacteria and decay.
• Stains: Porcelain Veneers are resistant to stains, but your natural teeth aren’t. Over time, while your veneers stay white, the surrounding teeth might suffer some staining. If you notice that your teeth and your veneers aren’t the same color, it’s probably the right time to visit the dentist.
• Decay: if decay develops in the exposed areas of teeth with veneers installed, these must be removed to treat the teeth underneath. 

How to Make Porcelain Veneers Last

Surprisingly, the answer to making your veneers last is very simple. You just have to make sure to follow a complete hygiene routine. Akre sure to implement toothpaste that’s not too abrasive, dental floss, and even mouthwash to make sure you eliminate as much bacteria as possible.

Don’t forget to keep up with dental check-ups every six months. By visiting your San Diego dentist to care for your Porcelain Veneers, you’ll be able to preserve them much longer and even prevent any issues that could arise.

For example, you grind your teeth, then your dentist will determine a solution for you. You could use a mouth guard or get advice on how to reduce the effects of bruxism.

Hopefully is a bit more clear how long do Porcelain Veneers last and the reasons why.

Now you know that it depends a lot on the material and the care you commit to giving them.

It will not also benefit the lifespan of your veneers. It’ll also make your smile shine bright and impress every person that comes across your day. 

Serena Family & Cosmetic Dentistry is happy to help you go through your makeover process with Porcelain Veneers.

Get a consultation with us today and tell us your concerns! A Clairemont dentist is always there to help you out. Call us today!