How Long Do Porcelain Veneers Last
Dental veneers are a long-lasting solution to permanently stained, misshapen, slightly crooked, chipped or cracked teeth. These wafer-thin tooth coverings look and feel like natural teeth.
“How long do dental veneers last?”
Our dentist hears this question frequently. The American College of Prosthodontists (ACP), says that a veneer typically lasts 5 to 10 years – and even much longer with proper care.
What Affects the Lifespan of Veneers?
A number of factors affect the longevity of your veneers. These factors for how long do porcelain last include:
- The state of your teeth prior to getting veneers – healthier teeth may help your veneers last longer.
- Veneer materials – composite veneers cost less than porcelain veneers, but composite veneers do not last as long.
- Your dental hygiene – brushing twice a day and flossing daily help prolong the lifespan of your veneers; it is also important to have dental checkups and cleanings every 6 months.
- Injuries – trauma can loosen your veneers or cause damage to the underlying tooth; be sure to wear a mouth guard during contact sports to protect your veneers from chipping or breaking, and never use your teeth to open objects.
- Grinding your teeth – also known as bruxism, tooth grinding can put excessive pressure on your veneers; if you grind your teeth at night, ask your dentist for a nighttime mouthguard.
- Biting down on hard foods – avoid chewing hard candies, nuts, or ice.
How Long do Veneers Last? Years, if You Take Care of Them!
Taking care of your veneers can help them last longer. Proper care includes:
- Brushing twice a day and flossing once daily.
- Avoiding chewing on excessively hard items, such as pens, fingernails, ice, and bones.
- Wearing a mouthguard during contact sports.
- Avoiding stain-causing foods and drinks, such as coffee, red wine, dark sodas, tea, soy sauce, and berries.
- Not smoking.
- Regular visits to your dentist.
Porcelain Veneers Last Longer than Composite Resin Veneers
While proper care is important to the longevity of your dental veneers, the material used in the veneers makes a difference too. Veneers may be made from porcelain or from resin-based composite.
How long do porcelain veneers last?
Porcelain veneers have a well-deserved reputation for longevity – a 2018 review of several studies found that porcelain veneers can last 10 years or longer for most people. Another study found that porcelain veneers can last as long as 20 years.
Signs it is Time to Replace Your Veneers
Veneers usually fit securely to your teeth, so they look great and feel comfortable. In time, though, they may start showing signs that they need replacement. These signs may include:
Receding gums
Gum disease or poor oral hygiene can cause your veneers to separate from your gums to create a gap, which can cause your veneers or your natural teeth to come loose or even fall out.
Chips or cracks in your veneers
While porcelain veneers are durable, chips and cracks may develop from biting hard food or simply from years of use.
Patient Discomfort
Your veneers should feel as comfortable as your natural teeth; veneers that are too big for your teeth or are placed incorrectly can be uncomfortable, and they can even affect your bite.
Decay of the underlying tooth
Your dentist affixes the veneer onto your teeth tightly enough to prevent decay-causing bacteria from reaching the tooth underneath, but a worn-out detached veneer can allow bacteria to reach the tooth to cause cavities.
Dark or stained veneers
Veneers resist stains better than natural tooth enamel, but highly pigmented food and beverages can stain your dental veneers; the cement used to affix veneers to your teeth can also darken over time, and since veneers cannot be whitened, replacing your veneers is the only option.
Rough spots around the edges of your veneers
Chewing and biting can wear down the edges of your veneers to cause rough spots; if your veneers feel rough when you run your tongue across them, your porcelain veneers may be worn out.
Visible Oral damage
Consult with your dentist if you notice visible damage to your dental veneers.
For best results, consult with your dentist as soon as you notice signs that it is time to replace your veneers.
To learn more about porcelain veneers and ways to extend the life of your dazzling smile, consult with your dentist in North Lafayette, Louisiana. Hebert Family Dentistry provides porcelain veneers and other dental services to patients of all ages.