How Long Do Veneers Last On Your Teeth?

Dental veneers are dental restorations that help fix teeth with cracks, slide chips, and discoloration. They look like tiny thin shells and fit over the affected teeth at the front of the mouth. Getting them usually requires three trips from the dental expert. One is for the consultation, and the other two are for the manufacturing and application. Patients require less effort to maintain veneers.

Different Types of Veneers and Their Longevity

Here are the veneer type and their lifespan:

• Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain dental veneers help address more serious aesthetic concerns. Therefore, if you are unhappy with your one tooth, the dentist can help you repair it using a porcelain veneer. The huge advantage is that it will match the remaining teeth and be unnoticeable.

They require two or more dental visits. Furthermore, porcelain veneers are stain-resistant. Thus, you can keep consuming wine and coffee without adjusting your way of life.

• Composite Veneers

They are an ideal option when you require small cosmetic repairs such as slide chipping, misalignment, or discoloration. Composite veneers are manufactured using resin. This resin is added in layers directly to the affected teeth.

Each layer is created according to the shape and length of the tooth. After that, it is cured with a high-intensity light. These new composite veneers are then polished to accomplish a look like that of a natural tooth. Composite veneers application requires only a single visit. It’s because they can be applied fast.

• No-prep Veneers

No-prep dental veneers fill the gaps, enhance discolored teeth look, and mask chipping and cracking. They allow patients to avoid temporary dental restorations while waiting for the manufacturing of final dental veneers. Compared to other veneer types, this makes them a quicker choice for a smile makeover.

Since the dental professional does not need to change your teeth, their installation is much easier. No-prep veneer does not require local anesthesia and has a lifespan of 5-7 years or more. They also help in preserving the tooth structure. To know more about this veneer type, get in touch with the best dentist for veneers.

What Can Affect the Lifespan of Veneers?

But there are a few factors that affect the average lifespan of veneers:

Types of Veneers

The veneer material will have a significant effect on its durability. Composite dental veneers have a longevity of about five years. Porcelain veneers usually last from 15-20 years if the patient follows excellently.

Qualification of The Dental Expert

Restoration of dental veneer needs excellent technical experience from the dentists. They must be able to control the aesthetics and shade while ensuring good gum health and stability of bite joints. Veneer placement by the inexperienced dentist can cause it to fall off and lead to other oral issues.

Restoration Aftercare

Veneer’s durability also relies on the oral care and hygiene of the patient. Although they cannot get cavities, the regions around the restoration and the remaining teeth can. So, the better you care, the longer the veneer will stay.

They can still accumulate oral bacteria and plaque, resulting in gum diseases. Moreover, when not treated, your gums begin receding and ruin the aesthetics of veneers.

Making Your Veneers Last Longer

There are some habits that you need to break to increase the lifespan of the veneer:

• Avoid bad habits like using your teeth as tools, chewing on writing equipment, biting nails, etc. These habits make the veneer more prone to damage.
• Refrain from using overly abrasive toothpaste.
• Wear a mouthguard while sleeping to prevent the grinding of teeth.
• Restrict the use of teeth-staining drinks like red wine, coffee, etc.
• Moderate the consumption of citrus fruits and drinks.
• Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption. It will affect the veneer’s durability and break down the bonding that keeps it in its position.
• Follow a strict oral hygiene routine. Get oral check-ups regularly with the dentist at Sanborn Dental Associates (Boelter & Gross) at least every six months.
• Do not use dark foods such as red sauce, etc. If you consume them accidentally, wash your teeth immediately.
• Avoid biting hard foods like bones, crab shells, seeds, etc.
• Use only a soft toothbrush for cleaning teeth. Your original teeth and the edge of the veneer are located under the gums. Thus, make sure you pay special attention to cleaning this junction. Brushing too hard enhances the risk of wearing down-sensitive gum tissues, resulting in gum recession.
• Just after getting your veneer installed, avoid consuming cold and hot foods.