How Long Do Veneers Last? When Will I Need New Ones?
Are you considering upgrading your smile and wondering how long veneers last? Veneers typically last 10 years or more. There are several factors that affect their longevity – most importantly, the materials used and the skill with which they are placed. My son Brett and I pride ourselves on the quality of care we provide to Boston, MA, patients. We’d love to meet with you for a consultation and until then, let’s look more closely at this topic.
Choose Durable, Long-Lasting Materials
Dental techniques are improving by leaps and bounds year after year. There are more veneer materials to choose from than ever before but they’re not all created equal.
Porcelain is the gold standard for veneers. Unlike some other materials, it’s renowned not only for its strength and durability but also for its appearance. Notably, porcelain is slightly translucent, just like our natural teeth.
Though they’re not technically veneers, you might come across the term “composite veneers” in your research. This technique involves applying a composite resin directly to the tooth. While it has some benefits – affordability and the ability to “try on” restorations without a permanent commitment – one of its shortcomings is its lifespan. If you choose this type of procedure, your results could last just a few years before they need to be touched up or redone completely.
Choose a Skilled Provider
Even more important than materials is your choice of a provider. There are two parts of the procedure, in particular, that must be handled with care to ensure long-lasting results:
Preparation
Veneers require the permanent removal of a small amount of enamel. Though there are cases where minimal- or no-prep veneers might be recommended, keep in mind, they have a much shorter lifespan; this is why we prefer traditional techniques.
Placement
Once the teeth have been prepared, the veneers will need to be bonded in place. This step is crucial. If a subpar dental cement is used, the area is not thoroughly cleaned and dried, or the process is rushed, you could experience all kinds of complications. If this is the case, your veneers could pop off more easily when they’re subjected to normal wear and tear.
Your Role: Taking Care of Your Teeth
Doctors can only do so much to ensure veneers last as long as possible. Patients need to understand their role. Some tips to help veneers last include:
- Not crunching on ice
- Not chewing very hard or sticky foods with treated teeth
- Not biting your nails
- Not opening packages or bottles with your teeth
While smoking will have more immediate cosmetic effects, tobacco use will eventually compromise the health of your teeth and gums, destabilizing a strong, healthy foundation for your veneers.
Why Choose Us for Long-Lasting Veneers?
There are several reasons why our veneers last as long as possible:
- We use only the finest medical-grade porcelain
- We use state-of-the-art technology to craft restorations on-site, allowing us to hold them to impeccable standards
- My son and I are prosthodontists, meaning we have much more training in veneers than general dentists
Learn More at Our Boston Office
Ready to take the next step toward enhancing your smile? During a visit to our office, we can discuss your concerns, goals, and more. Message us today to get started.