How Long Will My Porcelain Veneers Last?
A beautifully restored smile is an investment in your confidence and oral health. Everyone wants a gorgeous smile that looks beautiful and lets them eat with comfort. Veneers are a treatment option that patients frequently request to achieve this.
Veneers can be made of various materials, but in our clinic, we typically use porcelain veneers because of their strength, durability and beauty.
What Is A Porcelain Veneer?
Porcelain veneers are thin shells of tooth-coloured porcelain that can be bonded to the front of your teeth to improve their appearance. They look and function just like your natural teeth, so neither you nor anyone else will be able to tell that you have veneers.
Veneers are used to correct and adjust a variety of cosmetic and functional concerns such as:
- Changing the shape and colour of your teeth
- Closing gaps between the teeth
- Lengthening and correcting small or misshapen teeth
- Repairing cracked, broken or chipped teeth
- Covering discoloured teeth that cannot be corrected with whitening or bleaching
- Straightening crooked teeth without orthodontics
Porcelain veneers are a durable and long lasting option to address a variety of dental issues.
How Long Do They Last?
Porcelain veneers are among the most reliable and trusted procedures in cosmetic dentistry. They are made of porcelain that is highly resistant to chipping and staining and will typically last about 10 years from when you have them initially placed.
The lifespan of your dental veneers depends largely on how well you care for them though. You’ll want to follow our tips below to get the most time possible out of your veneers.
Tips To Improve The Longevity Of Veneers
- Don’t use your teeth to open things or to chew pen caps or fingernails. Your veneers may end up chipping or cracking from the pressure.
- Avoid using tobacco products. They are known to stain your teeth and veneers are no exception. They will stain yellow the same way your regular teeth will from smoking or chewing tobacco.
- Avoid foods and beverages that are acidic or high in sugars. Your natural tooth under the veneer is still prone to cavities and by eating a healthy diet you can reduce your risk of cavities. The worst culprits are sugary drinks that are consumed slowly such as soda or coffee drinks. Consume these items in moderation and be sure to rinse your mouth afterward. It is also a good idea to use a toothpaste that contains fluoride and is low in abrasivity such as Ctx4 gel to protect your teeth.
- Good oral hygiene. Be sure to floss around your veneers daily to keep your gums in great shape. This will protect against gum disease, which can create unwanted gaps between your gums and your veneers. A soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste will also help to clean your veneers gently without wearing away the porcelain.
- Wear a mouthguard. Whether you’re playing a contact sport or you grind your teeth, wearing a mouthguard and/or a nightgaurd can help to prevent damage of your porcelain veneers.
If your veneers require replacement, this may be due to cavities on your natural tooth that is cemented to the veneer or due to a fractured veneer. Replacing existing veneers is a very similar process to the initial installation. The old bonding agent will be filed away, and a new mold of your teeth will be taken. A new veneer will then be created and bonded back to your teeth, leaving you with a fresh smile and restored confidence.
Take great care of your veneers to ensure they last as long as possible. Be sure to visit your dentist if you have any questions or concerns and for regular checkups so they can be inspected for signs of wear or damage.
If you have any additional questions about porcelain veneers or any other dental procedure, please contact us or book an appointment to see your dentist.