How Long Do Veneers Last For

March 25, 2022
Maestri Family Dental

Porcelain veneers are a great solution to enhancing the appearance of your teeth by using a minimally invasive procedure. They are made to blend in well with your natural teeth, creating a realistic result. The thin, durable shells applied to the front of the teeth will disguise any imperfections and improve your smile.

In addition, porcelain veneers can last for a decade or longer before needing to be replaced. People who have teeth that are chipped, discolored, or fractured are good candidates for veneers, but those who have seriously damaged teeth are not. Porcelain veneers are mostly considered for cosmetic reasons, but they can also be used as a restorative fashion too.

Porcelain veneers are custom-made for each patient by the size, shape, and color of their teeth. Since porcelain veneers cover the entire tooth and not just the surface like a crown would, this makes it a less invasive procedure.

Once porcelain veneers are affixed to the teeth, the process cannot be undone. Porcelain veneers are permanent and designed to remain in place for the rest of your life.

Advantages of Porcelain Veneers

Resist stains better than resin veneers.
Resemble the natural tooth’s appearance.
The gums tolerate the porcelain veneers well.
Select a color to make dark teeth appear whiter.
They usually do not require as much shaping as other veneer materials do.

People looking to change the appearance of their smile might be a good candidate for veneers if they have healthy gums and bone structures. Porcelain veneers will change the color, shape, and size of the natural teeth while addressing certain existing dental issues.

A cosmetic dentist can work with certain problematic teeth when installing porcelain veneers, such as chipping, staining, crowding, spacing problems, or bite issues.

But keep in mind that porcelain veneers are not a temporary fix. They are permanent. With proper dental care and regular dental visits, most veneers can last ten to fifteen years, but some may even last up to twenty years. Although veneers are permanent, once placed in your mouth, they can be replaced due to the normal wear and tear over time.

Signs It Is Time to Replace Your Veneers

Visible damage

Porcelain veneers are not indestructible, so if there is any visible damage, it is time to have new ones created.

Darkening

Veneers are bonded to the teeth with cement that will naturally darken over time. Since there is no way to reverse this, your only solution is to apply new cement to the teeth.

Roughness

Chewing and biting can cause the porcelain veneers to wear down, chip, or even crack. Check if your veneers feel rough when you run your tongue over them. It may be time to schedule an appointment with your dentist for a replacement.

Stained

Small scratches can appear on the surface of your porcelain veneers from oral hygiene products, food particles, and plaque making them look discolored. Since your natural teeth can still stain, your veneers can begin to look darker, therefore, needing to be replaced.

Spacing

Spacing between the veneers and your gums can develop from poor dental hygiene or gum disease. If this is the case, you will need to have your dentist treat the underlying issues before replacing the veneers.

With good, proper daily hygiene, your veneers can last their expected duration. Certain factors can contribute to your porcelain veneers lifespan such as the state of the teeth prior to installation, protecting them by using a mouthguard if you play contact sports, and avoiding foods such as hard candies, ice, or nuts.

If your porcelain veneers have lost their brightness, it is time to schedule an appointment with Dr. Gina Liggio Maestri. We pride ourselves on creating and maintaining the smile you’ve longed for and deserve. At Maestri Dental, you can trust that you will have a caring and positive experience!

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