How Long Do Veneers Last?

Veneers can help address a variety of cosmetic dental issues in a short amount of time. But how long do veneers last? In this article, we discuss the longevity of resin composites and porcelain veneers and provide tips on how to make your veneers last longer.

There are two primary types of dental veneers: porcelain and resin composite veneers. Both of these types look like thin shells and are bonded to the entire front side of a tooth to mask the following cosmetic issues:

Staining or discoloration
Minor gaps between the teeth
Chips, cracks, or signs of wear
Teeth of uneven length or shape
Exposed roots of a tooth
A “gummy” smile

Resin composite and porcelain veneers tend to have different longevity, with the porcelain option being more durable and stain-resistant. Thus, porcelain veneers can last for 10 to 15 years, while resin composite veneers typically last for 5 to 10 years.

However, the lifespan of your veneers is not only influenced by their material. Your daily oral hygiene and lifestyle habits can also significantly impact the longevity of your veneers. Let’s take a closer look at how you can maintain your veneers in optimal condition for longer. These tips are applicable to both porcelain and resin composite veneers.

Make Sure You Brush and Floss Well

Brushing and flossing your teeth regularly will ensure that plaque, food residue, and bacteria do not linger on your teeth and veneers. Thus, you will prevent veneer staining and decay of your teeth underneath veneers. A good practice is to spend at least two full minutes brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day and floss every evening.

Try a Water Flosser

A water flosser can be an enhancing addition to your routine, as it has been proven to effectively loosen plaque and help clean along the gum line and in hard-to-reach areas of the mouth. However, remember that a water flosser should be used in addition to traditional brushing and flossing and can not replace them.

Choose What You Eat Carefully

Some foods and beverages can stain or damage your veneers. We recommend avoiding the following products:

Staining foods and drinks, such as red wine, black coffee, tea, curry, and other brightly colored spices, as well as beetroot, carrots, soda, and berries. If you eat or drink staining products, brush your teeth right away after the meal or rinse your mouth if brushing is not convenient.
Crunchy and hard foods that can scratch, crack, or chip your veneers.
Foods that require a lot of biting force, such as hard apples.
Sticky foods, such as toffee.

Protect Your Veneers from Physical Damage

The materials used for your dental veneers are strong and designed to withstand considerable chewing and biting forces. However, it does not mean that they are invincible. To protect your veneers from cracking or chipping, follow these tips:

Never use your teeth as tools for opening bottles or packages, cracking nuts or seeds, etc.
Wear a mouthguard when playing sports, especially those involving contact or extreme activities.
If you have bruxism (involuntary teeth clenching and grinding), wear a mouth guard at night and seek treatment for the issue.

Signs That You Should Replace Your Veneers

Signs that you should replace your dental veneers include:

Stains or discoloration on your veneers might mean that the material they are made of or the sealant is damaged. Staining and discoloration can also signify decay of the tooth underneath. Thus, if you notice that your veneers have become discolored, consult your dentist as soon as possible to ensure that the health of your teeth underneath your veneers is addressed in a timely manner, if any issues are present.
Cracked or chipped veneers can let bacteria access the teeth underneath, leading to infections and decay.
If your veneers feel loose, it means that the sealant has broken, and the tooth underneath the veneer is compromised and vulnerable to bacterial attack.
If you notice gaps between your veneers and gums, it might signify gum disease or other oral health issues that require timely attention.

Get Long-lasting Dental Veneers at Monte Vista Dental Group

Apart from the factors discussed in this article, the experience and skill of the dentist performing the procedure will also influence the longevity of your veneers. Highly qualified specialists at Monte Vista Dental Group utilize reliable methods and materials to provide our clients with long-lasting dental veneers. We look forward to your visit to our dental office.