After considering veneers, doing some research, and assessing how much it’s going to cost you (veneers cost), it is absolutely normal to wonder how long do veneers last. In general, veneers are considered a permanent treatment. Getting veneers placed on your teeth guarantees years of shiny teeth and a beautiful smile. In this article, we take you through everything you need to know about how long veneers last and what to do to maintain their quality.
How long do veneers last?
Veneers are thin layers shaped like real teeth. This layer is placed over the surface of your natural teeth after your dentist has trimmed down some enamel (teeth prepped for veneers). To learn more about the entire process of veneers, head to this link (veneers process). Veneers are considered a permanent treatment that will last for years, giving you the confidence you need when you flash your beautiful smile. Now depending on the type of veneers you get, how long veneers last will vary:
1. Porcelain veneers
Have an average lifespan of 12 years, depending on the attention and care the patient gives to their teeth. It is not uncommon for porcelain veneers to last up to 20 years if the oral health of the patient is excellent.
2. Composite veneers
Last 3 years on average. The reason for their lifespan being shorter is that they tend to stain with time due to the fact that their material is not durable and needs more maintenance than porcelain veneers.
3. Instant veneers
Have the same lifespan as porcelain veneers. They last 10 years on average and can sometimes last up to 20 years with proper care.
How long veneers last depends on many factors that we will be exploring further below.
How long do veneers last on front teeth?
Just like all types of veneers, veneers on front teeth last 5 to 20 years depending on the type of veneer chosen by you and your dentist. Referring to the paragraph above, porcelain veneers on front teeth have an average lifespan of 12 years, whereas other types need to be replaced sooner. If your dentist recommends veneers on one of your front teeth or a few front teeth due to the teeth being chipped, broken, or discolored, you might choose to get 6 to 8 veneers to create an even appearance. This decision will depend on the overall cost (read more about veneers cost here - veneers cost).
How long do porcelain veneers last?
On average, the answer to the question “how long does porcelain veneers last” would be 12 years. However, they can last up to 20 years with the proper care and maintenance. Porcelain veneers are the most commonly used dental veneers. They are thin and semi-transparent, making the results look natural and real. Porcelain veneers vary in price (check veneers cost here - veneers cost), and are recognized for their longevity, especially if the patient’s teeth are properly prepped for veneers (read all about teeth prep for veneers here - teeth prepped for veneers).
Can veneers last your whole life?
We have established that dental veneers do last and we have talked about how long do veneers last. But, can veneers last your whole life? It all depends on your oral hygiene, how much you care for your teeth, and the condition of your teeth when veneers are placed (veneers process). Having healthy teeth and good oral hygiene plays a big role in the maintenance of your dental veneers. Brushing twice a day, flossing, and attending regular dentist check-ups are of high importance in determining how long veneers last.
It is also important to note that if you are active in sports, a mouthguard is preferable to protect your veneers. If you grind your teeth or have a tendency to clench your jaw, a night guard will help protect your veneers from damage. It is also preferable to avoid hard foods and nail-biting.
How often do veneers need to be replaced?
As mentioned above, the type of veneers you choose as well as the care you give to your teeth can determine how long dental veneers last. Having a qualified dentist for the whole veneer process (veneers process) also plays a huge role in how long veneers will last and how often they will need to be replaced. Although they’re permanent, veneers will need to be replaced every 10 to 20 years (sometimes even more depending on many factors). Make sure you get them checked often. If not replaced on time, dental veneers can crack or get worn down, leading to tooth decay.
6 factors that affect how long does veneers last
To summarize, the factors listed below are what will determine how long veneers will last:
Factor 1 - Your teeth condition prior to having veneers placed
Having healthy teeth and good oral hygiene make your teeth eligible for veneers.
Factor 2 - Your oral care after placing the veneers
Caring for your teeth in the proper way - i.e. proper cleaning and regular check-ups at the dentists’s - as well as avoiding hard foods plays a big role in the lifespan of dental veneers.
Factor 3 - Dentist expertise
It is always better to choose an expert in the procedure you choose as the dentist will be more qualified to identify potential issues.
Factor 4 - Veneers material
As already mentioned, porcelain veneers last longer than composite veneers despite their higher costs (veneers cost). This also applies to no-prep veneers.
Factor 5 - Teeth grinding
Because of the pressure teeth grinding puts on veneers, they are more susceptible to damage. Wearing a night guard could help protect them.
Factor 6 - Protection of your teeth during sports
During sports, a mouthguard should be worn to protect your veneers from breaking or chipping.
Key takeaways about how long porcelain veneers last
Dental veneers are surely a good option to hide chipped, cracked or worn out teeth. While a beautiful smile is a guarantee, make sure you have all of your information in check: the cost of veneers (veneers cost), the process (veneers process), and the factors affecting their lifespan.
