How Long Do Veneers Last?

Veneers are the perfect solution for you if you want to gain that beautiful smile that you have always wanted. They work for people with tooth decay, uneven bites and severely stained teeth. Veneers that are of a high quality and placed by an experienced dentist can last for a surprisingly long time with proper care.

So how long do veneers last? While being very durable, veneers are not permanent. Venneers can las for between 10 and 15 years. During these time, they may still require a few cosmetic repairs.

The most common type of veneers is porcelain veneers. These are typically thin shells of medically treated ceramic that are attached to the surface of teeth. They are usually custom made for each individual patient and look as close to natural teeth as possible.

Veneers are used for a variety of dental issues. They may be used for cosmetic dental corrections, teeth whitening or even orthodontic adjustments. These include chipped teeth, cracked teeth, gaps between teeth, misaligned teeth and discolouration. This, along with being almost lifelike, makes veneers one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures.

A Short History Of Veneers

In the 1920s, Dr Charles Pincus, a Hollywood dentist, came up with the idea of using veneers to give actors and actresses brighter smiles on screen. He used temporary fronts on the teeth of stars which gave them bright smiles. However, it wasn’t until the 1960s that Dr Michael Bunocore created a stronger bonding solution which made it possible to affix the porcelain for longer. In 1982, JR Calamia and RJ Simonsen used the techniques of Dr Michael Bunocore, making veneers last even longer while also making them available to everyone.

Today, veneers are more lifelike than ever. Technological innovations have made them stronger, and it is now possible to recreate nearly perfect dental matches within a very short time by using digital imaging systems.

What Can Damage Veneers?

Veneers can be damaged through accidents, natural wear or even your diet. These damages significantly shorten the lifespan of the veneers. As a rule of thumb, anything that can damage natural teeth can also damage your veneers.

According to the American Dental Association, veneers can be stained just like natural teeth through exposure to some foods and drinks like coffee, tea and wine. They can also chip and crack just like natural teeth especially when you bite down on very hard foods. Luckily, good dental professionals can easily fix these damages.

Reasons Why Veneers May Not Be The Right Choice For You

For you to get veneers, you need to have healthy gums and teeth. If you have any prior underlying dental issues such as tooth decay, root canal infection or gum disease, you may not qualify for veneers. Patients with such issues need to be treated for them first before being cleared for any cosmetic enhancement.

If you want to get veneers, you need to understand that the procedure is irreversible. The dentist has to shave your enamel or remove a layer of enamel from it before attaching the veneer. Once this is done, you will need to replace the veneers or find an alternative restoration procedure to take their place. Your teeth can no longer be naturally exposed, as the enamel has been weakened. This means that the decision to get veneers placed should not be taken lightly.

For some patients, stronger replacement ceramics may be required after their veneers get damaged. Some of these cases include patients who suffer from bruxism and those who play contact sports. Your dentist need s to evaluate your case individually and offer his recommendations.

So What Can You Do To Make Your Veneers Last Longer?

The natural lifespan of veneers is 10-15 years. Although there is nothing you can do to increase this number, it can significantly be shortened if you do not take care of your veneers as you should. Treating them well and following the guidelines set by your dentist is the only way to get the most out of your veneers before you have to replace them at the end of their natural lifespan.

Getting veneers placed can be quite an investment, so if you want to get your money’s worth out of it, you need to make sure that they last for as long as possible. You need to follow your dentist’s directions to the latter. That being said, here are a few general tips on how to properly care for your veneers:

1. Your Teeth Are Not Tools.

Your Teeth are not replacement scissors or bottle openers or heaven knows what else. Almost everyone is guilty of taking this shortcut when faced with a loose string or a simple knot that needs cutting. However, once you have veneers placed, you can no longer indulge in this guilty pleasure. This is one of the fastest ways to chip a veneer, so if you want them to last, do not use your teeth as tools.

2. You Cannot Go Wrong With Good Oral Hygiene Practices.

Veneers stain just like normal teeth do. The foods you eat are the primary sources of these stains, so you need to watch what you eat. Drinks like tea, coffee and wine need to be taken in moderation. Also, remember to brush your teeth twice a day and don’t forget to floss. Visit your dentist at least twice a year for your semi-annual checkup and clean up.

3. Don’t Grind Your Teeth.

If you have the bad habit of grinding your teeth when you sleep or clenching them when you are concentrating on something, you need to talk to your dentist about it and how it can affect your veneers. Bruxism, or grinding your teeth in your sleep, can severely shorten the lifespan of your veneers. You can easily fix the issue by using a mouth guard at night.

4. If You Play Contact Sports, Wear Oral Protection.

The same goes for any activity that may result in impacts to the face. Make sure you have a mouth guard on because these activities can easily lead to chipped or cracked veneers.

Do Veneers Hurt?

Veneers look and feel as natural as normal teeth. They should not be uncomfortable or painful, and you should definitely talk to your dentist if you experience any discomfort.

Most patients also often wonder whether the process of getting veneers placed hurts. Before your veneers are placed, your teeth need to be filed down. This process is mildly uncomfortable, but it is not painful. Furthermore, every good dentist will do their best to make your experience as comfortable as possible. For patients with dental phobia, sedation may be offered if it is necessary. However, typically, the process is totally pain-free and sedation is not needed.

So How Much Do Veneers Cost?

The cost of veneers usually differs from patient to patient. Some of the causes of these variations include the number of teeth that need veneers, the type of veneers used, placement procedures, the location of the dental practice, and the experience of the dentist. All these factors act together to influence the final cost of the procedure. Typically, veneers can be quite expensive, costing several hundred dollars per tooth. This is one of the main reasons why you need to take good care of them.

Final Thoughts

Veneers can last a really long time if you take care of them well. Although they are one of the fastest ways to get that perfect smile, you need to properly take care of them if you want to get the most out of them. Otherwise, you will have to do frequent and expensive repairs, and nobody wants that.

1. How Long Do Veneers Last On Front Teeth?

Veneers on front teeth are often the most susceptible to damage. This is because they are the primary points of contact with everything, from staining foods to impacts to the face. However, with proper care and by following the tips above, there is no reason why they should not for over a decade.

2. How Long Does It Take To Get Veneers Fitted?

The process of veneer fitting form initial consultation to final placement usually takes an average of 2 to 4 weeks. The first stage immediately after the initial consultation is having temporary veneers made. Your teeth will then be prepared and your temporary veneers placed. Finally, your custom veneers will be fabricated. This entire process happens over two to three visits.

3. Are Temporary Veneers Really Necessary?

During the veneer fitting process, some patients usually wonder why they can’t skip the temporary veneer stage and go right to getting their custom veneers fabricated. Well, temporary veneers are essential for two main reasons. First, they help our patients get a general idea of what the final custom veneers will look and feel like. If there are any issues, it is easier to make changes at this stage. Secondly, they help protect your teeth until the final veneers are placed.

4. Are Veneers Permanent?

No. Veneers are not a permanent replacement for teeth. Although they can last for over a decade, they still naturally wear and need to be replaced. Furthermore, during these time, they may still require a few cosmetic repairs, depending on how you use them.