Veneers: How  Long Do They Last?

There are many benefits to smiling. Research shows that smiling improves facial muscles and immune system function and can help you see the world with a more positive outlook. However, you might feel the opposite if you can’t smile because of teeth discoloration or gaps.

You don’t need to feel sorry about yourself when you can get dental veneers. They can address both your teeth’s cosmetic and structural problems. However, you might have a few questions about their durability. Let’s learn more about them.

What Are Veneers?

Dental veneers are thin shells that match the color of your teeth. They are usually made of porcelain or resin-composite materials. Dentists place them over your front teeth to enhance their appearance and hide imperfections such as chips, cracks, or unevenness in tooth size.

Most people only need one veneer to fix a chipped or broken tooth. However, some people may need six to eight veneers to create a more symmetrical set.

Different Types of Veneers

Do veneers last forever? It all depends on what material was used and their type. Here’s a quick rundown on each type of veneers:

Porcelain Veneers

Dental veneers made from porcelain require more preparation work and time than no-prep veneers. These veneers also require enamel removal and grinding down teeth structures, which are painful and irreversible.

Porcelain is thin, translucent, and durable; according to a 2018 study, porcelain veneers can last for at least ten years. The Consumer Guide to Dentistry estimates that porcelain veneers cost between $925 and $2,500 per tooth.

Composite Veneers

A resin-based composite is another popular material used for veneers. Composite veneers can last up to five years.

According to the Consumer Guide to Dentistry, composite veneers are less expensive than porcelain and cost between $250 and $1,500 per tooth.

No-prep Veneers

As their name suggests, no-prep veneers don’t require extensive preparatory work before being installed, making them safer for your teeth since they don’t remove too much enamel. They are available in various brands like Vivaneers and Lumineers.

According to the manufacturer of Lumineers, no-prep veneers can last up to 20 years; other sources suggest they can last up to ten years. No-prep veneers generally cost between $800 and $2000 per tooth.

How Long Do Veneers Last?

A common question patients often ask about veneers is how long they last. According to a Pagosa Springs dentist, they are not a permanent fix. Most veneer types have significantly improved from traditional methods, and each type and brand have its own lifespan.

They don’t last forever, but how long they last depends on how well you care for them. They’ll need replacing approximately 15 to 20 years after their original placement.

How to Care for Veneers

You can help your veneers last longer by taking care of them. Here are some tips:

1. Floss once a day.

Plaque loves to hide where toothbrush bristles can’t reach them. Floss is one way to reach their hiding places; flossing at least once a day helps eliminate dental plaque between your teeth or the gum line. It also helps prevent cavities from developing between teeth.

2. Don’t munch on ice or use your teeth as tools.

Veneers are durable, but they are not invincible. You are more likely to break your veneers if you chew ice or use them as tools to open stuff like bottles or food packets.

3. Brush twice a day.

Two minutes is enough time to clean your teeth and veneers thoroughly. According to the American Dental Association, you should brush your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride is a natural ingredient long recognized for its oral health benefits. Aside from fluoride toothpaste, you can also use fluoridated water to protect your teeth from cavities.

4. Cut back on sweets.

You might have plaque buildup if you feel like your teeth are rough or fuzzy. Bacteria in plaque love sugar from foods and drinks, which helps them produce acids that weaken your teeth’s enamel and make teeth more vulnerable to cavities.

Always read food labels before buying them, especially those we consider healthy. Some yogurt flavors have a lot of sugar, and sports drinks contain more sugar than most people think.

5. Use fluoride mouthwash.

Dentists recommend using a fluoride mouthwash to remove food particles or residual plaque left behind after flossing and brushing, further protecting your teeth from cavities. Veneer placement may sometimes require shaving off some of your teeth’s enamel, which makes your teeth more vulnerable to cavities. Ask your dentist for recommendations on which brand is best for you.

 Key Takeaway

Veneers can help hide your teeth’s imperfections. They are made of porcelain or composite resin and come in different types. Each type and material determines how long they last and how much they will cost. The best way to make them last is to take care of them properly.