Dental veneers are one of the most popular cosmetic solutions today, which is not surprising considering their versatility. Veneers can be used to address a wide range of dental cosmetic issues, and patients can achieve stunning results in just a couple of dental visits. But how long do veneers last? We address this question and give tips on how to prolong the lifespan of your veneers in the article below.
How Long Do Veneers Last?
In most cases, dental veneers are made of porcelain or a resin composite. Both materials effectively address various cosmetic dental issues and appear natural in the mouth, with porcelain having a slightly more tooth-like appearance due to its partial translucency.
However, there are two main differences between porcelain veneers and resin composite veneers:
- Price, with porcelain veneers typically being more costly compared to composite veneers
- Longevity, as porcelain veneers are more durable and stain-resistant than resin composite veneers
Thus, you can expect your porcelain veneers to last for up to 15 years, provided that you care for them properly, while resin composite veneers typically last for up to 10 years.
Apart from the material your veneers are made of, some other factors can influence the lifespan of your veneers:
- The efficiency of your oral hygiene habits
- Your oral health in general and the presence of underlying issues, such as tooth decay, gum disease, or bruxism
- Frequency of your dental visits for professional cleanings and checkups
- Your dietary habits
- Presence of such lifestyle habits as smoking
Signs Your Veneers Are Due to Be Replaced
Dental veneers are a permanent cosmetic solution, meaning that they cannot be removed once they wear off; instead, they must be replaced with a new set. The reason for this is that a portion of the tooth enamel is removed to accommodate a veneer. Our teeth can not survive without their enamel or another protective layer, and will have to be protected by veneers from that point on.
Signs that you might need to have your veneers replaced include:
- Exposed parts of teeth between veneers and gums
- Veneer staining or discoloration (in some cases, this might indicate tooth decay underneath the veneer, so it is advisable to consult your dentist immediately if you notice stains on your veneers)
- Chipped or cracked veneers (also might allow bacteria access to the tooth, thus leading to decay)
- Dislodged or loose veneers
- Changes in how veneers fit with other teeth when you chew food or bite down
Tips on How to Prolong the Lifespan of Your Veneers
There are several main rules you can follow to have your veneers last longer, regardless of the material they are made of.
Maintain Thorough Oral Hygiene
Food residue, plaque, and tartar that accumulate on your teeth and gums if your oral hygiene is insufficient are filled with bacteria and can lead to a variety of oral health issues, which will require veneers to be removed. Thus, brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes, flossing every evening, and using a water flosser as the first step in your routine should be a priority.
Choose Correct Products
We recommend avoiding oral hygiene products that can damage your veneers:
- Toothpaste with abrasive ingredients (can create micro scratches on the surface of your veneers)
- Whitening solutions
Instead, we recommend using fluoride toothpaste that helps reduce bacteria in the mouth and strengthens the enamel of your natural teeth.
Have Regular Dental Visits
Biyearly dental visits for professional teeth cleanings and checkups will further enhance the health of the teeth underneath your veneers and your oral health overall.
Be Mindful of What You Eat
Avoid foods that can damage your veneers:
- Hard and crunchy foods can crack, chip, or scratch your veneers.
- Foods that require a lot of biting force or those that are sticky can dislodge your veneers.
- Some foods can cause veneer staining and discoloration (red wine, coffee, black tea, berries, curry, beetroot, soda, candies with artificial dye, etc.)
Protect Your Veneers from Physical Damage
- Wear a mouth guard if you engage in extreme or contact sports activities.
- Never use your teeth as tools for opening or unscrewing lids, biting off threads, etc.
- Seek professional help and wear a mouth guard at night if you have bruxism (involuntary teeth grinding and jaw clenching)
Get Dental Veneers at TruGlo Calabasas
Make an appointment with an experienced cosmetic dentist at the TruGlo Calabasas dental office today to get high-quality dental veneers. We are looking forward to helping you enhance your smile and boost your self-confidence.
