Veneers are a cosmetic dental procedure that can improve the appearance of your teeth. If your teeth are healthy, but don’t look their best, veneers can conceal imperfections to give you a more natural looking smile.
If you’re thinking about getting veneers, you may be wondering how long they last to determine if they are a worthwhile investment. Here’s what you can expect.
What Are Veneers?
Veneers are thin, shell-like covers that attach to the front side of your teeth. They may be made of porcelain or composite material that is made to look like natural tooth enamel. Veneers can conceal major and minor imperfections in the teeth such as stains, chips, gaps, uneven lengths, and crooked teeth.
Average Timeframe that Dental Veneers Last
On average, veneers last for about 15 years. The range is anywhere from 10-20 years, but how long your specific veneers last will depend on a variety of factors. There is no definite amount of time that applies to everyone and all types of veneers.
Factors That Affect the Lifespan of Veneers
How long your veneers last may depend on a number of factors:
- Material. The material your veneers are made out of will affect the overall lifespan. Porcelain veneers are known for being the strongest material, which lasts longer than veneers made of composite resin. Porcelain veneers cost more than composite, but you can get many more years out of them, so it is usually worth the investment in the higher quality material.
- Dental hygiene. How well you take care of your teeth will also have an affect on how long your veneers last. Good dental hygiene (brushing and flossing daily) will keep the natural teeth under your veneers in good health. It also prevents stains and plaque from forming on your veneers that could make them look less attractive.
- Eating habits. If you frequently eat hard or chewy foods it could cause your veneers to wear down more quickly or sustain damage. Veneers are typically attached to the front rows of teeth, so chewing hard foods in the back of your mouth where your molars are located will have less of an effect on your veneers.
- Teeth grinding. If you grind your teeth, either at night while you sleep or absentmindedly during the day, it could cause your veneers to wear down more quickly or become damaged. It may help to get a night guard to wear when you sleep to protect the natural teeth as well as your veneers from the effects of teeth grinding.
- Chewing/biting non-food items. Biting or chewing on items that are not food could damage your veneers. You should never open packages or remove tags with your teeth, especially if you have veneers. Avoid chewing on pens, pencils, and other non-food items.
- Going to the dentist. It is important that you go to the dentist every 6 months to have your teeth cleaned, even if you have veneers. Professional dental cleanings remove plaque from your veneers and your natural teeth to keep them healthy and looking clean. If there is damage to one or more veneers, your dentist can provide replacements.
Benefits of Veneers
The biggest reasons patients choose veneers include the following:
- Correct multiple imperfections at once. Getting veneers is like getting your teeth whitened, straightened, and reshaped, all at once. Stains that whitening treatment can’t remove can be concealed by veneers. Crooked or uneven teeth and even gaps between the teeth can be covered with veneers without moving the teeth at all.
- Veneers give a new smile almost immediately. Rather than orthodontic treatment to straighten your teeth, which can take months or even years, veneers can make your teeth look straight and uniform in just one or two appointments.
Where Can I Get Quality Veneers?
If you’re looking for a set of high quality dental veneers that will last, Creekview Dental offers porcelain veneers. We recommend porcelain in most cases because it is strong and looks very natural. After a brief evaluation we can determine whether or not veneers would be right for you.
To learn more, call 651-738-8204 or contact us today to schedule an appointment.
