How Long do Porcelain Veneers Last?
Dental veneers can help cover imperfections and restore the appearance of your smile. If you have chips or stains on your teeth, or if there are gaps between your teeth or other areas of cosmetic concern, you might be considering porcelain dental veneers, and you might want to know how long porcelain veneers can be expected to last. The longevity of porcelain veneers depends, in large part, on how well you care for them once they’re placed, but on average, porcelain veneers last about ten to 15 years. These thin porcelain shells are custom-crafted to give you your optimal smile, providing a durable, aesthetic solution for imperfect smiles.
Many dentists use porcelain veneers to fix teeth that are stained, cracked, or chipped, or to improve the appearance of the smile if the teeth are gapped or otherwise structurally awkward. Some people think of celebrities when they think of porcelain veneers, and it’s true that many Hollywood stars rely on porcelain veneers for their scintillating smiles, but veneers are also an everyday cosmetic procedure that can make a world of difference for the average patient. Following your initial consultation, your dentist will make wax impressions of your teeth, and these impressions will be used to create a dental model for lab technicians to use while custom-crafting your porcelain veneers. Your dentist will select a shade of porcelain that matches your natural teeth, helping create a natural, uniform appearance. Once the veneers are made, they are cemented onto the fronts of the teeth, which are prepared in advance by removing a small amount of dental enamel to allow the teeth to accommodate veneers evenly. Because the enamel of the treated teeth is removed to place porcelain dental veneers, if one of your veneers is damaged or wears out, it will need to be replaced so that the tooth remains protected. The good news is that you’re largely in control of how long your porcelain veneers will last, and establishing some good habits will help you maintain your impressive smile over the long term.
Effective oral hygiene is an important part of ensuring the longevity of dental implants, and this includes regular visits to the dentist, along with twice-daily brushing and flossing. With proper care, porcelain veneers can last for ten or fifteen years without becoming stained or cracking. If you chronically grind or clench your teeth, ask your dentist for a night guard for you to wear while you sleep so you can protect your veneers, and, if you play contact sports, wear a mouthguard. Avoid using your teeth to open bottles or untie knots, and avoid chewing on ice or other very hard objects. While porcelain veneers are durable, they’re not impervious to damage and should be treated like a worthy investment in the beauty of your smile. They’re not inexpensive, but it might take a little effort to modify your habits. For most people with porcelain veneers, the rewards are well worth it, so let a confident smile be your reminder and ask your dentist if porcelain veneers are a good idea for you.