How Long Should My Dental Veneers Last?

Dental Veneers are an important cosmetic dentistry procedure. They help cover damaged and discolored teeth, bringing back the perfect smile that you’ve always wanted. Many people wonder how long veneers last. Veneers can last upwards of ten years. This lifespan depends on various factors, such as how you take care of them. Nonetheless, it would be unrealistic to expect your veneers to last a lifetime.

Signs That Your Dental Veneers Need Replacement

While the average lifespan of dental veneers is about ten years, you can prolong this to about twenty years with proper care and treatment. If you notice any of the following signs with your veneers, it could be time to have them replaced.

• Chipped or cracked veneers – While veneers are made of hard wearing porcelain, they can crack or wear down if subjected to rough treatment. When that happens, you’ll have to replace them.
• Damage or decay of the underlying tooth – The fact that veneers only cover the front surface of your teeth leaves areas exposed, such as the back of the teeth, which prone to damage or decay. In the case of damage or decay, the veneers will need to be removed to enable treatment of the underlying tooth.
• Veneers separating from the gums – Poor oral hygiene may lead to gums recession, resulting in a gap between your veneers and your gums. An effective solution to this problem is to remove the veneers to treat the diseased gums before installing new veneers.
• Loose veneers – If your veneers were incorrectly applied, they may become loose and eventually fall off. In this case, you’ll need to go for a repeat procedure.
• Dental stains – While veneers are made to be stain-resistant, the adjacent untreated teeth may stain or discolor over time. This can lead to an evident mismatch between the color of the dental veneers and your natural teeth. Since veneers can’t be whitened and whitening the natural teeth could make the color difference more conspicuous, the best solution would be to replace the veneers to ensure they match with your natural teeth.

How To Extend the Lifespan of Your Veneers

Veneers can be expensive—you don’t want to have to replace them frequently. There are several things you can do to make your dental veneers last and get the best value for your money, including:

• Uphold proper oral hygiene – You need to brush at least twice a day and floss regularly to keep your teeth clean, healthy, and free of stains. Proper care is the simplest way to preserve your veneers and ensure they last longer.
• Avoid tooth-staining foods and drinks – Berries, wine, soda, pasta sauce, tea, and coffee are notorious for causing tooth stains. Limit their consumption to minimize the risk of staining and hence lower the chances of having to replace your veneers.
• Choose the right dental products – You may be committed to proper dental care to prolong the lifespan of your veneers, but your efforts would be futile if you’re using wrong products. For example, it’s advisable to use a non-abrasive toothpaste and a soft-bristle toothbrush.
• Wear a mouth guard – If you are suffering from bruxism, or you often engage in sports that put your teeth at risk, it’s advisable to wear a mouth guard. This device will help protect the porcelain in your veneers from erosion and preserve their shape for longer.

In Summary

Dental veneers usually last about ten to twenty years. However, this lifespan largely depends on whether they were applied properly and how you care for them. You should find a reputable dentist to apply your veneers and be sure to observe proper dental care practices to ensure you get the most from your veneers.