If you’re unhappy with your smile, you might want to consider dental veneers. This cost-effective cosmetic dental treatment can instantly alter the appearance of your teeth. Whether you suffer from teeth that are cracked or chipped, heavily stained, gapped, or misshapen, veneers provide a long-term solution that looks and feels natural. But are veneers permanent?
There is a lot of misinformation about dental veneers, and patients are often confused about what to expect from the procedure. Factors such as whether or not veneers are permanent are something you should know before committing to a process that alters your teeth. This article discusses whether or not veneers are permanent and how long they last.
What do we mean by permanent?
Firstly, patients need to know there are two main types of dental veneers: composite and porcelain. This information is crucial because it affects the answer to the question ‘are veneers permanent?’
Before going any further, let us explain what is meant by permanent.
Once a dentist places dental veneers on the teeth, they don’t last forever. However, if you go through the porcelain veneer procedure, you will always need them to cover your teeth.
Porcelain veneers are permanent because a thin layer of tooth enamel must be removed to enable them to sit flush within the smile without impacting the bite. Once the teeth have been prepared, custom porcelain veneers are manufactured in a dental lab and bonded to the front of the teeth in a second dental appointment. Since enamel cannot regenerate, the teeth will always need the protection of veneers. Depending on the age a patient gets porcelain veneers, and how well they care for them, they could need replacing a few times in their lifetime.
Composite veneers, on the other hand, are placed directly onto the teeth by a dentist and can be done in a single appointment. Tooth-coloured resin is layered onto the teeth, shaped and moulded to match the surrounding teeth and hardened with a high-intensity light. In most cases, the procedure can be reversed should a patient change their mind or decide they want porcelain veneers.
Longevity of dental veneers
The lifespan of veneers depends on several factors, particularly the type of veneer material. Porcelain veneers are more commonly requested because they are stronger and more durable than composites.
Another factor that affects the longevity of dental veneers is oral hygiene. Although veneers are bonded to the front surface of the teeth, a patient still needs to brush and floss meticulously and visit their dentist for regular check-ups and cleaning. Failing to do so can result in gum disease and tooth decay that can jeopardise the health of your teeth and veneers.
So in answer to the question, are veneers permanent, it all depends on the type you choose.
Are you considering porcelain veneers?
If you long for a smile you can show off, we’re here to help. Why not schedule an appointment with the experienced team at Boutique Dental Care to see if veneers are right for you. Call on (02) 9054 5281 or use our online booking service.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
PubMed Central – Long-Term Survival and Complication Rates of Porcelain Laminate Veneers in Clinical Studies: A Systematic Review
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7961608/
PubMed Central – The Success of Dental Veneers According To Preparation Design and Material Type
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6311473/