Dental veneers provide an excellent cosmetic solution for many aesthetic issues. Patients with teeth that are discoloured, chipped, or gapped are often interested in getting veneers to give their smile a makeover. But before booking their procedure, they often want to know how long do porcelain veneers last compared to other types of veneers and what they can do to maximise their lifespan. Here’s what you should know.
About dental veneers
Dental veneers are thin covers for the front surface of teeth that mask imperfections to create a more beautiful smile. There’s no need to have all of the teeth covered with veneers. Some people opt for one veneer, whereas others may have all the teeth covered in their smile line.
So how long do porcelain veneers last compared to other veneers?
How long veneers last depends on the type and, secondly, on how well they are cared for. The most common types of veneers are porcelain, composite and no-prep.
Composite veneers are placed directly onto the tooth’s surface, shaped, and hardened with high-intensity light. Made from the same material as dental fillings, they don’t last as long as porcelain veneers and don’t look quite as natural.
Porcelain veneers, in contrast, are manufactured in a dental lab from an impression taken of the teeth. Unlike composite dental veneers, a thin layer of tooth enamel has to be removed to accommodate porcelain veneers, which means the process is permanent. In other words, once the enamel has gone, a person will have to wear veneers for their lifetime to protect their teeth.
Both veneer types mentioned above are custom-made for patients, but that’s not the case with no-prep veneers, so we don’t recommend them.
How long do porcelain veneers last compared to other types?
As with any dental restoration, we can give an average lifespan so you know what to expect, but results will vary from one patient to another.
- Porcelain veneers – A review in 2018 suggested that this type of dental veneer lasts for approximately ten years or longer in many cases.
- Composite veneers – You can expect composites to last between five and seven years. Their lifespan isn’t as long because their material is not as durable, and they stain more easily.
- No-prep veneers – These veneers can last for five to seven years with care. Although many manufacturers claim they will last a lot longer.
We’ve answered how long porcelain veneers last, but as we mentioned earlier, results vary. Here are five tips to help your dental veneers last longer:
- Brush twice daily with a soft toothbrush to keep stains at bay
- Do not eat overly hard foods as this could crack your veneers, and you will need a replacement
- Avoid foods and drinks with dark pigments as these could stain your veneers
- Quit smoking to avoid staining veneers and to prevent oral health issues
- Try not to grid your teeth. If you suffer from bruxism, it’s best to wear a mouthguard at night to avoid damage
Are you considering porcelain veneers?
At Boutique Dental Care, we provide beautiful porcelain veneers created in a day using advanced CEREC technology. We’re currently offering some fantastic veneers packages, so don’t miss out. Schedule a FREE appointment today. Call us now on (02) 9054 5281.
References
National Library Of Medicine – The Success Of Dental Veneers According To Preparation Design And Material Type
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6311473/
Exactly How Long – How Long Do Composite Veneers Last (And Why)
https://exactlyhowlong.com/how-long-do-composite-veneers-last-and-why/
Healthline – What Are No-Prep Veneers?
https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/no-prep-veneers#:~:text=No%2Dprep%20veneers%20can%20last,and%20tear%20on%20healthy%20teeth