How Long Do Veneers Last and Are They A Good Option?

Do you often catch yourself smiling and stop immediately? Are you looking into cosmetic dentistry procedures to improve your teeth and want the answer to the question 'how long do veneers last?' 

If you answered yes to either or both of those questions, dental veneers could be a life-changing decision for you. 

Now may be a good time to talk to your dentist about veneers. But, in the meantime, we are here to help you figure out important issues like whether veneers are worth the investment, particularly for front teeth. 

Let's get started.

Dental veneers are custom-made dental shells that are applied to the teeth to cover up imperfections and give you a stellar smile for a long time. Dentists use veneers to improve the appearance of teeth that are:  

• cracked or chipped 
• worn-down 
• uneven 
• misaligned 
• discoloured 
• gapped 
• decaying; or 
• damaged 

This cosmetic dentistry procedure is relatively painless and quick. In fact, some people only need a few dental veneers to get their teeth aligned and have their smile back. But you could opt for a complete set to hide more extensive damage to your teeth. 

All in all, dental veneers don't need extensive tooth preparation, which typically is the case with dental bridges or crowns. Instead, the dentist removes a thin layer of tooth enamel to prepare them and applies the new made-to-measure veneers, bonding them securely in place. Veneers are a less invasive procedure than full crown placement. 

If you want to fix minor dental imperfections and improve your smile without wearing orthodontic aligners or undergoing whitening treatments, veneers are quite possibly your best option. For instance, sometimes a smile is white and bright except for a few stubbornly discoloured teeth. Or maybe there is a small gap between your teeth that is driving you crazy. 

This marvel of cosmetic dentistry can not only fix these issues, but it can also change your smile entirely with the addition of one wafer-thin, dainty little veneer. 

It's fair to say that veneers can be a significant investment, so naturally, you'd want to make sure that your new dental veneers will last for a very long time. So, the main question is: how long do veneers last?

The answer really depends on the type of veneers you've opted for your teeth. 

• Composite veneers. These last for an average of about three years. However, their lifespan is relatively shorter than other types. Unlike porcelain veneers, these stain a lot faster, and the material doesn't last very long, making them high maintenance. 
• Porcelain veneers. The average lifespan for a porcelain veneer is 10 years. But there have been instances of them lasting for up to 20 years long with proper maintenance and adequate care. 
• Instant veneers. Also known as no-prep veneers, these are pretty easy to install and should last for 10 to 15 years long with proper care. But many patients often need to have them replaced every 5 years or so because they do wear out with extensive use. 

Getting a cosmetic dentistry procedure like this one is akin to investing in the quality of your smile. Provided you get your veneers from qualified dental professionals, they should last between 10 and 15 years with care. 

Remember, your new veneers aren't immune to staining, and they aren't any stronger than your natural teeth, so they can crack and chip just like them. This makes it essential to treat them just like you would your natural teeth, practising good oral habits to ensure they last for as long as possible. 

Get regular dental checkups and practise good oral hygiene to get the most from this investment. 

• Wear a mouthguard. If you usually grind your teeth when sleeping, it is vital to protect your dental veneers by wearing a mouthguard to bed. Similarly, if you are big on contact sports, wear one when out playing. 
• Eat foods that aren't tough on the teeth. Try to avoid foods that can chip your veneers, such as boiled sweets or popcorn. Also, you should limit your coffee and other beverages and food intake that can stain the surfaces. 
• Stop smoking. Tobacco can not only cause unsightly stains on the veneers but also weaken the composite bonding used to apply them to your teeth. It's also bad for gums and bones, resulting in an unhealthy mouth. 

The bottom line is that dental veneers are a brilliant choice of dental treatment if you want to revive your smile for a long time. However, it's crucial to weigh up the disadvantages and advantages as per your priorities and personal needs. 

Do you want a porcelain veneer or a composite one? Make an informed decision with the help of a dentist experienced in cosmetic dentistry procedures. 

Our experienced team at Riverlands Dental in North Richmond can help answer all your questions and redesign your smile, making you look and feel amazing. Additionally, we'd love to help you select the best options for your finances and the look you want to achieve. 

Please call (02) 4501 7930 or book an appointment online via our website.