How Long Do Veneers Last?

Veneers are an excellent and quick solution for many cosmetic dental issues. But how long do veneers last? In this article, we address this question, discuss the signs that your veneers are due for replacement, and provide tips on how to prolong their lifespan.

On average, you can expect your dental veneers to last 5 to 15 years. The longevity of your veneers will largely depend on several factors:

The material your veneers are made of: resin composite veneers, being made of a more affordable material, tend to last 5 to 7 years, while porcelain or zirconia veneers can last for up to 15 years.
Your oral hygiene habits and the health of your teeth underneath veneers, such as tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease, can lead to the removal of your veneers to treat these issues. Additionally, inadequate oral hygiene often leads to veneer discoloration.
Your dietary habits: Some foods and beverages can harm veneers.
The products you use to clean your veneers.
Your lifestyle habits, such as smoking, and your general health.
How well you protect your veneers from physical damage.

Signs That Your Veneers Are Due to Be Replaced

We recommend consulting your dentist about potential veneer replacement if you notice the following signs:

Your veneers are stained or discolored. This can be a purely cosmetic issue if they wear off, or it can signify tooth decay underneath the veneers or a broken bond between the veneers and your teeth. Therefore, we recommend consulting your dentist to rule out the possibility of oral health issues, even if you are not concerned about the altered appearance of your veneers.
Your veneers are cracked or chipped. This issue requires timely attention, as bacteria and food residue can find access to your natural teeth through the cracks in your veneers, leading to infection and decay.
Your veneers feel loose. This almost always means that the bond between the veneers and your natural teeth is broken, allowing bacteria to access your teeth.
There are gaps between your veneers and the gumline. This can happen due to gum recession. The most common reason for gum recession is gum disease, a chronic infection of the gums that always requires immediate medical attention. Additionally, when the roots of your teeth become exposed, it can lead to tooth decay and even tooth loss if the issue is not addressed in a timely manner.

Can You Remove Your Veneers Instead of Replacing Them?

Veneers are a quick solution for many cosmetic dental issues. However, it comes with some responsibilities. Particularly, when your veneers wear off or become damaged, you can not just remove them; instead, you must replace them with a new set.

The reason for this is that a portion of your tooth enamel is removed before veneers are placed. This is necessary for your veneers to have sufficient room to fit comfortably and not disrupt the natural bite. Unfortunately, once natural enamel is removed, it can not grow back or be restored in any way. Since teeth cannot survive without their enamel, from now on, they will have to be artificially protected either by veneers, crowns, or dental bonding, if possible.

How to Prolong the Lifespan of Your Veneers

There are several tips you can implement in your daily life to prolong the lifespan of your veneers:

Prioritize your oral health by building an effective daily hygiene routine.
Avoid products with abrasive or whitening agents for cleaning your veneers.
Do not skip bi-yearly dental visits for cleanings and checkups.
Abstain from smoking.
Avoid staining foods and beverages, and always brush your teeth immediately after consuming them.
Avoid foods that can damage or scratch your veneers (hard, crunchy, and sticky foods).
Protect your veneers with a mouthguard if you play contact or extreme sports.
If you have bruxism—involuntary teeth grinding—seek treatment options and wear a mouthguard at night.

Get Stunning Dental Veneers at East Highland Dental

Considering getting dental veneers? Do not hesitate to schedule an appointment with an experienced cosmetic dentist at East Highland Dental today to receive stunning, high-quality dental veneers.