How Long Do Dental Veneers Last?

Dental veneer technology has advanced rapidly over the past few years. There are several high quality manufacturers of dental veneers that are offering superior qualities of dental veneers with high durability and resilience, with claims of lifespans of up to several decades. Advancements in porcelain technology have ensured a longer life for dental veneers. By its nature, porcelain is a very tough material and refined qualities of porcelain are quite resistant and impervious to discoloration and stains.

However, many people still opt for composite veneers because they are substantially cheaper than porcelain veneers. But composite veneers do not last for more than an average of two years, and in some cases, they may need to be replaced just one year after they have been applied. In contrast, porcelain veneers, on average, can easily last up to a decade or more.

The wide variation in the sustainability of dental veneers arises from the grade of material used in making the veneers, and also from the level of maintenance by the user. If the user maintains excellent oral hygiene and makes periodic visits to the dentist, it is possible to maximize the life of the veneers.

Apart from good oral hygiene, the user must also make sure that the veneers do not get exposed to excessive dental force. It is advisable to avoid chewing very hard food that might cause damage to the veneers. Furthermore, excessive smoking or excessive consumption of sodas or juices should be avoided as far as possible. This will keep the veneers stain-free and retain their natural luster and brightness. Some users may clench or grind their teeth. This may cause faster wear and tear of the veneers.

The longevity of dental veneers is also influenced by factors such as the quality of the bonding material or dental adhesive used, the custom designing and fitting of the veneers in the lab, and the proper application and bonding of the veneers on the teeth by a cosmetic dentist. It is critical that the dentist prepare the teeth properly before bonding the veneers on to the teeth. This is the most sensitive part of the whole procedure, and it must be done well to ensure a long life for the veneers.

Above all, it is up to the patient to maintain excellent oral hygiene and make diligent visits to the dentist for regular check-ups. This ensures that the patient does not get the problems of plaque, tooth infections, gingivitis, or gum recession. Such problems can cut short the life of veneers. Therefore, good oral health is directly linked to optimizing the life of the dental veneers.