Are dental veneers permanent?

Dental veneers can address several aesthetic issues, but are they a permanent solution? Our Cambridge dentists review the purpose of these restorations and the factors that affect longevity.

What Are Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers are thin, custom-made slivers of tooth-coloured porcelain that your dentist bonds to the front of your teeth. Composite resin cement is used to bond them to your teeth, resulting in a surface that closely resembles the look and texture of natural teeth.

Veneers can help to change the perceived position, shape or colour of your teeth, leaving you with a more aesthetically pleasing smile.

How Long Do Porcelain Dental Veneers Last?

Porcelain veneers are not considered a permanent solution and may require replacement at some point. However, with proper care, they can last a significant amount of time, typically around 15 years on average, and potentially even longer (20 years or more) depending on certain factors.

Once you have veneers, it becomes crucial to maintain excellent oral hygiene to ensure their longevity. This involves maintaining a consistent routine of brushing and flossing daily, as well as regularly visiting the dentist for professional dental exams and cleanings. Patients who prioritize good oral hygiene and seek professional care are more likely to enjoy longer-lasting veneers.

The lifespan of veneers can also be influenced by the correction of any existing oral health issues. Problems such as bite misalignment, biting hard objects, and teeth grinding or clenching can exert excessive pressure on both your natural teeth and the veneers.

Why Do Porcelain Veneers Need To Be Replaced?

Though porcelain is very durable, porcelain veneers can chip, fracture, decay or debond over time. You may also need to replace them if you experience gum recession, as this may cause the veneer to not fit correctly anymore.

Caring For Dental Veneers

To maximize the lifespan of your veneers, there are several steps you can take. As mentioned earlier, maintaining excellent oral hygiene practices is crucial. This involves:

Wearing A Mouthguard While Playing Contact Sports

Trauma to the mouth (such as a run-in with another person or object) and cause dental veneers to fracture or fall off. This is why it’s important to wear a mouthguard to protect your restorations if you play contact sports.

Avoiding Sticky, Hard Foods Or Using Your Teeth As Tools

While your dental veneers will stand up to everyday chewing, don’t get into the bait of chewing ice or using them to rip open packages, as this increases the risk of chipping, loosening or breaking them.

Attending Your Regular Dental Appointments

By regularly attending your scheduled dental exams, you provide your dentist with an opportunity to perform a vital deep cleaning of your teeth. Additionally, they will carefully assess the condition of your veneers and address any potential issues at an early stage, preventing them from progressing further.

Practicing Excellent Oral Hygiene

You know the drill - brush twice a day for two minutes each time, and floss at least once per day. Tooth decay is a common cause of the failure of dental veneers.

Are Porcelain Veneers Right For Me?

Though dental veneers can be used to address several aesthetic concerns, they are not the right treatment for every dental health issue - or every person. In some cases, other restorations such as dental crowns, dental bonding, teeth whitening or orthodontics may be more effective treatment options.