Dental veneers are an effective option for rejuvenating your smile without having to go through lengthy treatments and complex procedures.
Veneers are thin, custom-made fittings that are fixed to the front-facing side of your teeth. They are chosen as an option either to cover up or to fix dental damage for people who:
- Have stained or discoloured teeth such as with smokers
- Have chipped teeth
- Have tooth decay
- Have crooked teeth
- Have gaps between their teeth
Veneers are a popular choice when it comes to dental corrections as they are much less invasive than many other procedures. Veneers do not require as much time before you get results when compared with teeth whitening, braces, or using retainers. So, how long do veneers last?
What Are Veneers For?
Dental veneers can serve two core purposes. The first is to improve the appearance of your teeth. They can hide discolourations, cover gaps, and provide a fresher and cleaner look. The second purpose is to correct dental problems such as chipped or decaying teeth. These may affect your ability to chew and your quality of life.
You can think of veneers as an extension of your natural teeth that are shaped according to your needs and then fixed in place. If you only require a few dental veneers rather than one for every tooth, then they can be coloured to match the rest of your teeth for a natural look.
How Long Do Veneers Last?
The longevity of your veneers depends largely on the particular type of material that you choose. At Boon Dental, we offer our patients two options when it comes to dental veneers: composite veneers, and porcelain veneers.
Composite Dental Veneers
Composite dental veneers are made from the same resin that is often used for tooth bonding in dentistry, such as for bonding brackets to teeth when someone is getting braces.
This composite resin has the same colour as natural teeth and can either be applied and shaped directly on your teeth by a dentist, called a direct composite veneer, or they can be made in a dental laboratory prior to being applied.
Porcelain Dental Veneers
Porcelain dental veneers, also called ceramic veneers, are exactly what their name suggests. Being made from thin porcelain gives them a translucent look that is not only natural but also incredibly durable. These veneers are custom made in a dental laboratory and are then bonded to your teeth after an initial preparation process.
The difference between these two material types lies in their price as well as their longevity. Composite dental veneers are the cheaper out of the two and can easily last for 5 years or more. Porcelain veneers on the other hand do come with a higher price. However, studies have shown that 93.5% of this type of veneer can last for over 10 years, and 82.93% last for over 20.
Do You Have to Replace Your Veneers Every 10 Years?
As per above, how often you replace your dental veneers will depend largely on what material they are made from. Generally, if your veneers are working well without signs of damage or wear, then they will likely not need replacing although it is important to talk about this with your dentist.
It’s Time to Replace Your Veneers When:
Your gums are pulling back
If your gums are receding, either as a result of poor dental hygiene, gum disease, or tooth decay, then it will likely be time to replace your veneers. Your dentist can help to treat the underlying condition as well as make the appropriate alterations to new veneers so that your smile looks natural.
The veneers are chipped or cracked
Visible damage, such as chips or cracks in the veneer, are sure signs that it is time they need to be replaced. Ignoring this sign can result in further damage to the veneer which could affect your bite or leave a sharp edge.
The tooth supporting the veneer is decayed underneath
Poor dental hygiene or existing tooth decay that is not treated properly can lead to decay around and underneath the veneer. This can affect the tooth’s ability to hold the veneer and you will need to visit your dentist as soon as possible to have the decay treated. If cavities form, then the tooth might not be able to hold the replacement veneer.
Book A Consultation at Our Boon Dental Clinic
Dental veneers are a great option for giving you a natural and clean smile while also improving your bite and covering up damage to your teeth. Since they are a simple, non-invasive option, many people prefer dental veneers over braces, whitening, or using retainers. Do you suffer from any of the above dental issues and are looking for the right treatment? Contact our team at Boon Dental and we can get to work improving your dental health for you.