How Long Do Veneers Last Depends on a Few Factors
Having a beautiful smile may seem like an unreachable dream to many. However, that’s far from the truth. The fact is that there are a lot of different ways to fix your smile. Don’t know where to turn to? Check out our page.
But seriously — wouldn’t you want to stop covering your mouth every time you smile? When your teeth are your biggest insecurity, smiling can feel more like a chore than actual sign of enjoyment, because the look of your teeth is always in the back of your mind. So it may be the time for you to seriously look into veneers.
We know what you’re thinking: Aren’t veneers something only the rich and famous get? That might’ve been the case once, but not anymore. Now, with the rise in popularity of composite dental veneers, recovering your smile is more affordable than ever.
While multiple veneer types exist, people often ask: How long do they last? Understandably so because getting veneers is irreversible, so you want them to be durable. Plus, many individuals invest a lot into their smiles, and they want to get their money’s worth. So, let’s talk about the average longevity of teeth veneers and what you can do to make them last even longer.
Veneer Longevity Depends on The Material
We know you come across different information when searching for the answer to how long veneer teeth last. But why is research giving you multiple answers? Because their longevity always depends on the material.
With various materials in mind, we’ll talk about 2 types of veneers dentists most commonly use. We’ll explain each of them and tell you how long they last. They are:
- Porcelain
- Composite
Porcelain Veneers
These are the most common types. As their name suggests, they are made from porcelain. This material is:
- Very durable
- The most natural-looking
- Stain-resistant
- Not harmful to your teeth
So if you’re looking to restore your smile to its best self, porcelain seems like the way to go.
Of course, this type comes with some cons, such as the price and how invasive the procedure can be.
But how long do veneer teeth last if they’re porcelain? If you take good care of them – up to 20 years.
Composite Veneers
While the porcelain type seems like your best option, wouldn’t you want something less invasive and not as pricey? Then, you should consider the composite type. These veneers are made from composite resin and bound to your teeth with the same material dentists use for a dental filling. Composite resin is:
- A mixture of natural and unnatural ingredients
- Durable
- Natural-looking
While it sounds good, many would agree this type has more cons than pros, including easily staining and chipping. While that may be the case, composite facets are an inexpensive option, and aren’t too pricey to replace.
But how long do veneers last on front teeth, or overall, if they’re composite? Their lifespan is anywhere between 5 to 7 years, depending on how well you maintain them.
What Affects Your Veneers Lifespan?
We found out the answer to our initial question, but it’s not all as black and white as it may seem. While the longevity of your veneers does depend on the material, other factors can also have an impact on it. Think about the things that affect your natural teeth: the food you eat, the beverages you drink, etc. Plus, all kinds of impacts damage your teeth, whether they end up chipping or not. But why does all of that matter? Because veneers, no matter the type, should be treated like your natural teeth. In other words, you should stay away from all that can harm them.
To summarize, here are some of the things that can shorten the lifespan of your shiny new smile:
- Grinding your teeth
- Unhealthy habits, such as chewing on ice, smoking, etc.
- The state of your teeth before getting veneers (how weak they are, whether you’ve had gum disease, etc.)
- Poor oral hygiene
What Can You Do to Improve Veneer Longevity?
Saying you’ll need to turn your life around to maintain your veneers isn’t an overstatement. Brushing your teeth more often will help, but that’s not the only thing you’ll have to do. So, if you didn’t have good oral hygiene, you will have to now.
Basically, what you need to do is adopt some healthy habits and deal with the problems you may have. Here’s what we suggest:
- Stay away from foods and drinks that stain (coffee, wine, blueberries, and more)
- Wear a mouthguard while you sleep or during sport activities
- Find which oral hygiene tools work best for you
- Don’t use your teeth to open bottles, cut through tape, etc. (teeth are not tools!)
- Be careful when biting into hard foods
We know what you’re thinking: It’s a lot of restrictions! But good oral care is imperative because having veneers doesn’t mean your natural teeth won’t deteriorate. Bacteria can find their way behind the line where your tooth and veneer meet and wreak havoc. So, keep it at bay by brushing and flossing!
When Is the Right Time to Replace Veneers?
Unfortunately, veneers do not last forever. When’s the right time to replace them, you ask? It depends on the type of veneers you have. Dentists usually advise patients to replace their worn-out facets every 10 to 20 years.
But how will you know if you need replacements before that? Keep an eye on your veneers. All chips and cracks should be addressed immediately, as should any other irregularities.
The best thing you can do is find a reputable dentist to install your veneers. The last thing you want is having to redo or replace your facets after a mere few years all because a dentist didn’t do their job right.
While the instalment success depends on your dentist, how long the veneers last will depend on you.
