When you receive your set of dental veneers, you will have a smile that you want to last forever. Fortunately, dental veneers are indeed known for long-lasting results. However, no dental treatment is permanent. So, how long do veneers last?

How Long Do Veneers Last?

Depending on a range of factors, patients can expect their veneers to last between 5 and 15 years. However, a good number of patients see their veneers last even longer. We fully counsel patients when they receive their veneers on ways to maximize their lifespan. Below, we break down what factors affect how long veneers last.

What Affects the Lifespan of Veneers?

Materials & Fabrication Quality

Both material quality and type will influence how long veneers last. Patients who have resin veneers can expect about 4 to 8 years out of their veneers. Porcelain veneers tend to last notably longer. Our patients with porcelain veneers will regularly have results that last for 10 years or more. The trade-off lies in the out-of-pocket costs. Porcelain veneers will cost more than ones made from resin.

Furthermore, not all veneers are made equal, even if they are made of the same material. You will want to work with a dentist who has partnered with a top-tier dental lab. Labs that use outdated instruments or inexperienced technicians may make lower-quality veneers.

Oral Health & Hygiene

While veneers are not vulnerable to tooth decay, oral health still affects them. Firstly, the part of the tooth not covered by the veneer can still experience decay. Notable decay can lead to a range of issues, including:

Cosmetic issues with veneers
Difficulty in cleaning the tooth
Gum disease

The good news is that maintaining stable oral health is usually quite easy. Simply follow a typical, healthy at-home hygiene routine to start with. Such a routine involves brushing at least twice daily and flossing once daily. Additionally, visit your dentist about twice a year. Some patients may need additional steps, but these actions will be sufficient for the majority of individuals.

Appropriate Diet

Getting dental veneers does not mean you need to cut foods from your diet. However, it does mean patients will need to exercise extra care with some food items. Namely, avoid biting down on hard foods with your front teeth. Even if you do not break a veneer, you could slightly damage it. Over time, that damage could build up and lead to a crack or break. If you do want some hard foods, make sure you bite down only with your untreated teeth.

Accident Avoidance

True, there is no guaranteed way to avoid all accidents. However, you can take several steps to decrease the risk of physical damage to your veneers. These include:

Wearing a sports guard when participating in contact sports
Always wearing a seatbelt when in a motor vehicle (including public transportation)
Participating in physical activities only when alert and rested (fatigue increases the risk for injury)

Treat Bruxism

If you experience teeth grinding, then it could wear down your veneers rather swiftly. Many people do not even realize they grind their teeth while they sleep. Wearing a mouthguard at night can often serve as a good start. If you notice any symptoms of teeth grinding, we recommend speaking with your dentist about it. Some example symptoms include:

Jaw pain, particularly in the morning
Headaches or earaches
Neck pain
Tight jaw muscles
Visible wear to your teeth
Broken fillings
And more

Signs that Your Veneers Are Wearing Out

Veneers can show wear in several different ways. Signs your veneers are moving toward the end of their lifespan include:

Visible damage (cracks, chips, breaks)
Discoloration or stains
Uneven texture or roughness to the veneers
Notable looseness in how they sit on the tooth

What Do I Do After My Veneers Wear Out?

Replace them! If you think your veneers have begun showing signs of wear, you can return to your dentist for a check-up. They will then recommend options for moving forward. Replacing veneers will be a process similar to getting your first set. That means taking impressions and sending those to the lab. We remove your old veneers and place the new ones over your teeth.

You can also change the material of your veneers. So if you have resin before, you could opt for a set of porcelain veneers next.

Get Veneers from the Best

Work with a top-rated cosmetic dentist today to start the process of getting veneers. Call OC Dental Specialists to set up a visit that will leave you smiling.