If you have chipped, misshapen, or extremely discoloured teeth, dental veneers can disguise these cosmetic flaws, give you a stunning smile and boost your confidence. If you are considering a cosmetic dentistry treatment like dental veneers, you may wonder how long do veneers last and how to keep them looking their best.
How Long Do Veneers Last?
Dental veneers can last between five to fifteen years; however, because a thin layer of tooth enamel is removed during treatment, veneers are permanent and must be replaced if they are damaged or loose.
The lifespan of your dental veneers depends mainly on the materials used to fabricate them. There are two common types of veneers used in cosmetic dentistry: Composite veneers and porcelain veneers.
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Composite Veneers
Composite resin veneers are applied directly to your teeth so you can restore your smile in a single session. They have a more affordable upfront cost than other dental veneers; however, they only last an average of 3 years before they need to be replaced.
Composite resin veneers are also more easily stained and chipped than porcelain veneers, and despite their tooth-coloured hue, they don’t have the same reflective lustre as natural teeth.
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Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are durable, lasting for an average of 15 years before they show signs of wear and tear. Porcelain dental veneers have a naturally translucent appearance, so they look more realistic than other types of veneers.
At Total Care Dental Studio, we offer state-of-the-art porcelain veneers custom-made at an off-site Australian lab.
How to Make Your Veneers Last Longer?
Porcelain or composite resin veneers are an investment in your oral health. To keep them in good condition and prolong their longevity, there are several ways you can protect your veneers.
Avoid biting hard objects or using your teeth as a tool. Opening packages, biting your nails, even crunching ice can strain on your porcelain veneers, loosening the dental cement and potentially chipping or cracking the veneer. You should also limit your consumption of hard foods like nuts and lollies.
Quit smoking and using tobacco products. Cigarette smoke stains your teeth and lowers saliva production, leading to dry mouth and gum recession. Receding gums can create a gap between your gum line and dental veneers, allowing bacteria and food particles to penetrate underneath the thin shells.
Although porcelain veneers are less prone to staining than other dental veneer materials, it is still crucial to maintain proper oral hygiene. Cosmetic dentistry restorations like porcelain veneers cannot be professionally whitened, even with high concentration bleaching agents like hydrogen or carbamide peroxide.
Because dental veneers only cover the front section of the underlying tooth, the back of the natural tooth and bite surface are still vulnerable to decay and acid erosion. Brush and floss twice daily using fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush, and visit your dentist regularly for a checkup exam and a professional hygiene cleaning.
If you have an active lifestyle and play sports, always wear a protective mouthguard to avoid a broken veneer. You should also wear an occlusal splint or nightguard if you suffer from TMJ or bruxism. At Total Care Dental Studio, we offer several devices and treatments to protect your veneers and natural teeth from the effects of teeth grinding and jaw clenching.
Achieve a Winning Smile at Total Care Dental Studio
Dental veneers can transform your smile, and learning how long do veneers last and how to care for them, can help you keep your smile looking beautiful.
For more information about composite resin veneers or porcelain veneers to match your natural teeth, book your appointment with Total Care Dental Studio or call us on (07) 3186 8517 today.
