Dental veneers are thin shells that are placed on teeth to address cosmetic concerns such as color, size, shape, and spacing. This is one of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments. If you are considering how long do dental veneers last, it’s important to note that, while irreversible, the treatment is not permanent. You will need to have them replaced in the future.
Dental veneers are just one of the dental services offered by the professionals at Vital Dental Center. Our highly skilled dentists will work with you to create a beautiful, functional smile with a variety of general, cosmetic, and restorative procedures.
Here’s what you need to know about dental veneers and how long they last.
Porcelain Veneers vs. Composite Veneers
There are two basic types of dental veneers:
- Porcelain
- Composite
Porcelain Veneers are thin porcelain shells custom-made to fit on the front side of the tooth. The shell is designed to mimic the color and shape of the adjacent teeth to create a natural appearance. The primary advantage of porcelain is its strength and natural appearance the primary drawback is the cost.
Composite veneers are made of the same material that composite dental fillings are made of. The veneers may be fabricated in a lab and applied to the teeth or the resin material may be applied directly to the teeth. The primary advantage of composite is the cost the primary disadvantage is the lifespan and appearance.
Factors Affecting Veneers Lifespan
On average, composite veneers last 5 to 7 years, while porcelain veneers last up to 15. There are a few things that can impact the lifespan of dental veneers including:
- Oral hygiene habits
- Diet (consumption of dark-colored foods/beverages)
- Using teeth as tools
- Type of veneer (porcelain vs. composite resin)
- Condition of natural teeth before veneer placement
- Playing contact sports
- Bruxism (clenching/grinding of teeth)
- Tobacco use
- Crunching on hard objects (candies, nuts, ice)
How Long Do Porcelain Veneers Last?
Research indicates that porcelain veneers last an average of 10 to 15 years. However, they can last up to 20 years or more with proper care and maintenance.
Tips For Veneers To Last Long
There are a few things that you can do to increase the life expectancy of your dental veneers, including:
- Avoid using teeth as tools
- Brush at least twice daily, floss at least once with a non-abrasive toothpaste and soft-bristled toothbrush
- Avoid tobacco use
- Minimize consumption of dark-colored foods/beverages- when you do eat/drink these items, make sure to at least rinse your mouth well
- Use a mouthguard for contact sports
- Use a nightguard for sleeping if you clench/grind your teeth
- Avoid hard/crunchy foods
- Visit the dentist every 6 months for an exam and cleaning
Conclusion
Dental veneers are a popular option for resolving minor cosmetic dental concerns including color, size, shape, and spacing. While this procedure is irreversible, it’s important to note that it is not permanent. Typically, dental veneers are only designed to last for up to 20 years with proper care and maintenance.
FAQs On Dental Veneers
If you have any concerns regarding dental veneers or other cosmetic procedures at Vital Dental Center, our team will be happy to address those with you. Below are a few of the most common questions that we get about dental veneers:
How often do veneers need to be replaced?
On average, dental veneers last up to 10 years. However, with proper care and maintenance, may last up to 20 years or more.
How much does it cost to get veneers?
The average cost of dental veneers starts at around $400 per tooth for composite resin veneers and goes up to around $2,500 per tooth for porcelain veneers. Unfortunately, since this is considered a cosmetic dental procedure, most dental insurance providers will not cover any portion of the treatment.
Can I go back to regular teeth after veneer?
Dental veneers require some of the enamel to be removed from the tooth. Therefore, it is an irreversible procedure.
Can I get cavities with veneers?
Yes, it is possible to get cavities with dental veneers. You must still brush and floss your teeth like you normally would to prevent the build-up of bacteria and plaque.
Are veneers a lot of maintenance?
No, dental veneers do not require any special considerations for maintenance. Simply brush and floss as you would your natural teeth.