Discoloured, cracked, and damaged teeth. These are common dental issues which can damage your self-image and confidence. But thankfully, there are solutions for them all. While many people turn to crowns to cover cracked teeth, there is a significantly better long-term option for improving your smile.
Enter veneers: a thin facing that could cover the damaged teeth and gives the impression of a realistic set of pearly whites. Before you invest in a complete set of veneers, there are several important factors to consider, such as what’s the process and how long do dental veneers last, but first, let’s define what veneers are.
What are Dental Veneers?
Veneers are thin layers of either composite resin or porcelain that sits over damaged or discoloured teeth. They give the impression of perfect natural teeth and are generally considered a reliable long-term solution for anyone wanting to correct minor imperfections to enhance their smile. Instead of sitting atop the tooth, like crowns, veneers cover the front facing aspect of the tooth, so if you have gaps, damaged or undersized teeth, veneers are an excellent solution.
While veneers don’t replace teeth, they can act as a visual improvement; along with several other benefits, all resulting in you being happy and confident with your smile.
How Long Do Dental Veneers Last?
As a rule of thumb, veneers typically last for ten years, but this can be affected by several factors. Including:
- Diet and drinking habits
- Teeth grinding habits
- State of teeth
- Veneer type: composite resin versus porcelain
- Oral hygiene practices
These factors can drastically shorten the lifespan of your veneers. For example, if you love drinking coffee, eat lots of junk food, use your teeth to open things, and are lazy with dental hygiene, your veneers may stain and crack, not lasting as long.
Some people have needed to replace their veneers sooner than 10 years; others have had theirs for over twenty years. Generally, you can assume porcelain veneers could last ten years with solid dental hygiene and good oral care habits. The material used for the dental veneers does impact significantly on their longevity.
Composite Resin
Composite resin veneers are a plastic resin-based material applied and shaped onto your teeth. These veneers typically last around 5 years and are the most affordable veneer option. They can last longer depending on your chewing forces, diet, care routine and aesthetic requirements.
Porcelain
More expensive than their composite counterparts, Porcelain veneers are significantly more aesthetic and durable. Constructed from solid Porcelain material, they are made to last. They are thinner, transparent, and often look and feel very natural in your mouth. Porcelain veneers are an excellent long-term option that lasts between ten and fifteen years. Read this blog post to help you choose the best veneers for your face shape.
How to Care for Veneers
Much like you would care for natural teeth, caring for veneers follows many of the same dental hygiene best practices. For example:
- Daily brushing and flossing
- Avoiding hard foods
- Limiting coloured drinks such as red wine and coffee
- Wear a nightguard if teeth-grinding habits
- Get regular dental checkups
Final Words
Veneers are an excellent long-term solution for putting the confidence back into your smile. And while they don’t replace existing teeth, as a dental implant would, they are shaped and bonded to match your tooth colour and shape for natural looking, improved teeth.
All veneers require professional installation and may not be suitable for people with extreme tooth damage, decay or people who have gotten multiple tooth restoration treatments. If you’re wondering if dental veneers are right for you, please contact us today to schedule an appointment.
