How Long Do Veneers Last?

Dental veneers can help address a variety of cosmetic issues in just a couple of visits to your dental office, including tooth staining and discoloration, minor gaps between teeth, irregularities in tooth shape and size, and a “gummy” smile. But how long do veneers last? In this article, we discuss the factors that affect the lifespan of dental veneers.

The lifespan of your dental veneers will depend on several main factors:

The material your veneers are made of: porcelain veneers are more durable and can last for up to 15 years, while resin composite veneers typically last for 7 to 10 years.
Sufficiency of your oral hygiene
Products you use to clean your veneers
Your dietary habits
Lifestyle habits
The condition of your oral health and the presence of such issues as gum disease or bruxism

Let us look at these points in more detail.

Porcelain vs Resin Composite Veneers

As we mentioned earlier, porcelain is a more durable material compared to resin composite. It is also more stain-resistant and can maintain its original color for longer, provided you properly care for your veneers.

Oral Hygiene Habits and Dental Veneer Longevity

Regardless of the material your veneers are made of, efficient daily oral hygiene should be your top priority if you want your veneers to last for years to come. If you do not brush and floss your teeth properly, plaque will accumulate on your teeth over time and eventually turn into tartar if not removed in a timely manner.

Plaque and tartar can contribute to veneer staining and discoloration. Additionally, bacteria that live in plaque and tartar can destroy the teeth structure underneath veneers and the surrounding gum tissue. As a result, veneers might need to be removed to treat tooth decay and gum disease and then replaced with a new set. This not only reduces the longevity of your veneers but can also be financially and time-consuming.

Products for Veneer Cleaning

It is not recommended to use abrasive toothpaste (such as toothpaste with soda or charcoal) for your veneers. Such products can create microscratches on the veneer surface, which can trap food particles and bacteria, leading to staining and discoloration.

Additionally, whitening solutions should not be used to clean dental veneers. Such solutions are designed for natural enamel, which is more porous than porcelain or resin composite, and are not compatible with these materials.

Dietary Habits and Dental Veneer Longevity

Even though veneers are durable and stain-resistant (especially porcelain veneers), they can still get damaged (cracked, chipped, or scratched) by hard and crunchy foods or discolored by repeated consumption of staining foods and beverages. We recommend avoiding staining foods and drinks and brushing your teeth immediately after consuming them.

Lifestyle Habits and Dental Veneer Longevity

To preserve your veneers and overall oral health, we recommend avoiding habits such as smoking and using your teeth as tools. Additionally, it is good practice to wear a mouthguard when playing contact or extreme sports.

Bruxism and Dental Veneers

Bruxism is an involuntary condition characterized by jaw clenching and teeth grinding. It primarily occurs when you are asleep, but can also happen during the day. Human bite is powerful, and chronic bruxism puts a lot of strain on both natural teeth and dental veneers, leading to them wearing off faster or even breaking in some cases. If you notice signs of bruxism, consult your dentist about available treatment options and wear a mouth guard at night to protect your teeth and veneers from damage.

Get High-Quality Dental Veneers at Highland Smiles

Do not hesitate to make an appointment with an experienced cosmetic dentist at the Highland Smiles dental office today. At our clinic, we provide high-quality and reliable solutions to address a wide range of cosmetic dental concerns. We are looking forward to your visit.