Are dental veneers permanent?

A handful of aesthetic problems can be addressed with dental veneers. In this blog, our Taber dentists explain how long they can last and the factors that impact their longevity.

Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are thin, custom-made slivers of tooth-coloured porcelain that dentists are able to bond to the front of a patient's teeth. They are bonded to your teeth with composite resin cement, creating a surface that both feels and appears natural.

Veneers can help to change the perceived position, shape, or colour of your teeth, leaving you with a more aesthetically pleasing smile.

The Lifespan of Dental Veneers

You will probably have to get your porcelain veneers replaced eventually, so they aren't considered a permanent treatment. But, if you take good care of them, porcelain veneers could last a fairly long time – usually for about 15 years on average. Depending on some key factors, they can last much longer (20 years or more).

After you've had veneers placed, it will be more important than ever that you maintain an excellent oral hygiene routine. That's because the longevity of your veneers depends on how well you care for them. Patients who maintain good oral hygiene (brushing and flossing daily) at home and who visit the dentist regularly for professional dental exams and cleanings are more likely to see their veneers last longer.

Longevity will also be impacted by whether any oral health problems are corrected. Bite problems, biting hard objects, grinding, and clenching can put excessive pressure on your teeth, and therefore your veneers.

When You Need to Replace Your Dental Veneers

While porcelain is very durable, your porcelain veneers could still debond, fracture, decay, or chip with time. You might also have to get them replaced if you experience gum recession, as this could make the veneer not fit properly anymore.

Taking Care of Dental Veneers

There are several measures you can take to make your veneers last as long as possible. As mentioned, maintaining excellent oral health care practices is the best thing you can do to make sure your veneers stay in optimal condition. This could consist of:

Using a Mouthguard During Contact Sports

Trauma to the mouth (such as a run-in with another person or object) could make your dental veneers fracture or fall off. This is why it’s important to wear a mouthguard to protect your restorations if you play contact sports.

Avoiding Using Your Teeth as a Tool & Hard, Sticky Foods

While your dental veneers will stand up to everyday chewing, don’t get into the bait of chewing ice or using them to rip open packages, as this increases the risk of chipping, loosening, or breaking them.

See Your Dentist Regularly

When you see your dentist regularly for dental exams, you are giving them the chance to give your teeth an essential deep clean, but they will also take the time to check the condition of your veneers and treat any problems early before they have a chance to fully develop.

Practicing Optimal Oral Hygiene

You know the drill - brush twice a day for two minutes each time, and floss at least once per day. Tooth decay is a common cause of failure of dental veneers.

Are Porcelain Veneers The Best Option for Me?

Though dental veneers can be used to address several aesthetic concerns, they are not the right treatment for every dental health issue - or every person. In some cases, other restorations such as dental crowns, dental bonding, teeth whitening, or orthodontics may be more effective treatment options.