How Long Do Dental Veneers Last?

Dental veneers are created from thin porcelain material. They are an excellent choice for patients who want to make their smiles more even and attractive. Regardless of the cosmetic flaw on the teeth — decay, stains or crooked bite — veneers can quickly and effectively mask these flaws to transform facial appearance. One thing many patients often want to know is how long they can expect their veneers to last. This article addresses that as well as steps you can take to prolong their lifespan.

The lifespan of dental veneers

Porcelain veneers are durable and, according to many dental professionals, should be able to endure between 10 to 15 years of use with proper maintenance. Veneers may eventually require full replacement or repair, depending on the nature of the wear or damage. Patients who want to prolong the lifetime of their dental restoration must properly care for them.

Several factors can affect the durability, and shorten the lifespan, of veneers. Some of these can also damage the natural teeth. A poorly placed veneer cannot last. The patient’s habits, such as biting or chewing on hard, inedible substances or foods can damage the surface restoration.

Prolonging a veneer’s lifespan

It may be harder to extend the natural lifespan of dental veneers since they are not designed to be a permanent solution. Nevertheless, patients can get the best out of their veneers by caring for them properly. Veneers are an investment for the smile, so ensuring they last long enough will make the investment worthwhile. The following are ways to care for dental veneers:

• Good oral hygiene practices: Keeping the mouth clean is important to prevent stains and keep the teeth healthy. Patients are advised to brush twice daily and floss to maintain good oral health. Routine dental checkups and cleanings with a family dentist are also important
• Use mouth protection: Individuals who participate in sports need to get a mouthguard from their dentist. Hard impacts to the face can break or chip the veneers. The mouthguard will protect the teeth and dental restoration from damage
• Avoid using the teeth as a tool: Almost everyone has used their teeth for unconventional purposes like opening packages or loosening a knot, but they are harmful habits that may compromise the structural integrity of the teeth. These actions can expose the teeth to germs and can break porcelain veneers
• Teeth grinding treatment: Also called bruxism, teeth grinding means rubbing the teeth against each other, usually when sleeping. Those who are considering veneers need to discuss with their family dentist for solutions. Leaving teeth grinding unchecked can cause the veneers to crack or chip. The solution is often as simple as wearing a nightguard when sleeping to serve as a buffer between the teeth

The bottom line

Dental veneers can dramatically improve your smile, but they still require adequate care like normal teeth. They should not be an excuse to slack on basic oral health practices as that could mean expensive replacements or repairs. Treat your dental veneers right, and they will serve you well for a long time.

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