Do you often find yourself hiding your smile because of dental imperfections? Whether you have sustained an injury that has left you with a chipped tooth or you are dealing with discoloured or stained teeth, you are not alone.
Porcelain veneers are among the most popular procedures to help disguise minor teeth imperfections and make your teeth appear undamaged, enhancing your smile and improving your oral health. However, before committing to the procedure, you may want to know how long do porcelain veneers last to better decide if you are ready to invest in it.
In this blog, we’ll explore the durability of porcelain veneers compared to their composite counterparts and discuss some useful tips to extend their lifespan.
What are Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are thin shells of medical-grade ceramic that are designed to mimic the appearance of natural teeth. They are custom-made by a dental technician to improve the appearance of your smile and may help improve the colour, shape, size, and length of your teeth. They are bonded to your teeth using a special dental adhesive, resulting in a natural-looking smile and providing a long-lasting solution for minor dental imperfections.
Porcelain veneers are preferred over composite veneers because:
- They closely resemble natural teeth
- They are more resistant to discolouration and staining
- They are more durable than composite veneers
- They protect your teeth against further damage
- They bring instant results
Overall, porcelain veneers offer several advantages including their flawlessly natural appearance, resistance to staining, and increased durability. They are considered to be an important part of smile makeovers and full mouth reconstruction, where dental practitioners may frequently combine them with other simple and complex dental procedures to help you achieve your desired smile. However, before undergoing any esthetic dental procedure, it’s best to consult with your dentist to better assess the condition of your teeth and discuss any potential risks associated with the treatment.
How Long Do Porcelain Veneers Last?
Porcelain veneers can be applied to one or multiple teeth depending on your requirements and the condition of your teeth. With proper care and good oral hygiene practices, porcelain veneers can prove to be much more hard-wearing and resilient than composite resin or composite bonding. Regardless of their durability, it is important to note that they may not be a suitable treatment plan if you have undergone extensive dental restoration or are struggling with gum diseases or seriously damaged teeth. In such cases, your dentist may suggest possible alternatives to dental veneers suited for your specific dental condition.
4 Lifespan Tips For Your Porcelain Veneers
Just like your natural teeth, porcelain veneers require careful maintenance, regular cleaning and mindful eating to ensure they remain in optimum condition for years on end. Here are some useful tips to prolong the life of your porcelain veneers:
1. Avoid sticky foods like candies and toffees
Sticky foods like candies and toffees can cause the veneers to come loose or even chip, so it’s best to avoid them altogether or at least minimise their intake. Opt for softer foods that won’t put too much pressure on your veneers.
2. Avoid hard foods and substances
Hard foods and substances like ice or hard candy can also cause damage to your veneers. Try to avoid biting into them directly, and instead, break them into smaller pieces to lessen their impact on your veneers.
3. Avoid biting down on crunchy substances
Crunchy substances like nuts and popcorn kernels can be harmful to your veneers if bitten down on too hard. To prevent any damage, avoid biting down on them with your front teeth and never attempt to open nuts or bottles using your teeth as it may cause your veneers to chip or crack.
4. Schedule regular dental check-ups
Regular dental check-ups as suggested by your dentist are crucial for maintaining the health and longevity of your veneers. Your dentist can detect any issues early on and provide the necessary treatments to prevent further damage.
When Should You Replace Your Veneers?
While porcelain veneers are known and preferred for their longevity, they may need replacement at some point during their lifespan. This can happen if:
- the veneers chip or break, as once damaged, they cannot be repaired
- they become discoloured due to frequent smoking, drinking tea or coffee or poor oral hygiene
- the root of the tooth is exposed due to gum recession
In general, porcelain veneers can last up to 10-15 years with proper care and maintenance. However, if you experience any of the above issues, consult with your dentist to determine if replacement is necessary to maintain your oral health and a beautiful smile.
Looking for a Smile Transformation with Porcelain Veneers?
Great Alpine Dental Advanced Esthetics and Implants offer porcelain veneers as a solution for those looking to hide dental imperfections or improve their smile. Our dentists take a comprehensive approach to dental care, ensuring that our treatment options are tailored to meet the individual needs, eating habits, and lifestyles of our patients.
If you have more questions about porcelain veneers or you want to know more about how they can help you achieve your oral health goals, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with us.
