It isn’t always easy to share a smile when you feel self-conscious about your dental perfections. Thankfully, dental veneers are a way of hiding many of those imperfections creating the appearance of a flawless, whiter smile.
It’s understandable, therefore, that people looking to invest in their smile want some type of guarantee that their veneers will remain in good condition and functional for many years to come.
If you are considering dental veneers, then you should be aware that there are two different types – composite veneers or porcelain veneers. Both have their benefits and drawbacks and both will offer up very different results in terms of how long they last.
With this in mind, let’s dive in and take a closer look at each type…
Composite dental veneers
Composite veneers or laminates are made from a synthetic mix of glass ionomer and resin (plastic). Once the tooth coloured material is applied to the front surface of the tooth it’s left to harden – sometimes with the aid of a curing light. Once hardened, composite laminates are ideal for repairing blemishes, chips and cracks.
Porcelain veneers
Alternatively, porcelain dental veneers are thin shells of dental porcelain which are bonded to the front surface of the tooth. They offer great durability and stain-resistant qualities but moreover, porcelain veneers provide superior aesthetics and last longer than their composite counterparts.
So how long do veneers last?
As a general rule of thumb, patients can expect composite veneers to last for between 4-8 years whereas porcelain veneers should last somewhere between 10-15 years on average. So at some stage over your lifetime, you will need to replace your dental veneers.
But why do composite veneers need to be replaced sooner?
Composite laminates are less durable than porcelain veneers, meaning that they can be vulnerable to chipping and breaking. The composite material is also vulnerable to stain-inducing foods or drinks. So while composite laminates are considerably cheaper than porcelain veneers, they won’t last as long and may need to be replaced several times during your life. This is something that should be taken into consideration when considering your options.
So are porcelain veneers the best option?
It really depends upon what you want. To fit porcelain veneers, patients may need to have a thin layer of natural tooth enamel removed which is an irreversible process. That said, once the custom-porcelain shells are applied to the front of the teeth, they are usually difficult to detect giving you an instant and long-lasting smile transformation. So when you have slight tooth gaps, discoloured teeth, crooked, oddly shaped or eroded teeth, or uneven teeth, cosmetic dentistry involving porcelain veneers may well be the best option.
So now you know the answer to the question ‘how long do veneers last’ it should give you all the information you need to make an informed dental decision.
If you would like to find out more about dental veneers or a range of other cosmetic dentistry procedures such as teeth whitening, come and talk to the team at Boutique Dental Care in Chatswood. We provide customised dental solutions in a relaxing and comfortable environment.
Contact us at (02) 9054 5281 to book a consultation today.