Dental veneers can last between 5-15 years depending on the materials you choose (porcelain or composite) and how you care for them. At Aspen Dental, your team can help you choose the right solution for your smile.
How long do different types of veneers last?
The life of your dental veneers can vary, but let’s start with the basics—just what is a dental veneer? Veneers are thin, custom-crafted shells, usually made of porcelain or composite resin, that are bonded to the front surface of your teeth to improve their appearance. They are a great solution for correcting teeth imperfections such as discoloration, chips, gaps and misalignment.
Porcelain Veneers
Pros | Cons |
|---|
Natural-looking results | More expensive |
Stain-resistant | Removes enamel |
Highly durable | Increases tooth sensitivity |
Minimally invasive | Can chip or crack |
How long porcelain veneers last
Are you considering porcelain veneers? Great choice! Both beautiful and durable, they can last up to 15 years—but with proper oral hygiene and maintenance, they can enhance your smile for even longer.
Composite veneers
Pros | Cons |
|---|
Most affordable | More likely to stain |
Less invasive | Less durable |
Easy in-office repairs | Less natural-looking |
Applied in a single visit | Requires more maintenance |
How long composite (resin) veneers last
Composite veneers (also called resin veneers) are a great choice if you are looking for a solution on a budget. The tradeoff? They typically last between 5-7 years—but can last up to 10 with proper care.
Learn the veneer process
Let’s take a look at the veneer process when working with your Aspen Dental dentist.
Consultation
The first step is a thorough examination and discussion with your dentist about your goals and expectations. They’ll evaluate the condition of your teeth and oral health and see if veneers are right for you.
Material selection
Based on your needs, budget and dental condition, your dentist will recommend the type of veneers that are best for your smile. Porcelain veneers are a more natural-looking, durable solution but require more tooth removal. Composite resin veneers are a bit more basic and can be placed in one visit.
Tooth prep
Before placing veneers, a small amount of your tooth’s enamel is usually removed to create space for the veneer. This depends on the type of veneers you’ve chosen.
Impression
For porcelain veneers, your Aspen Dental dentist will take an impression of your teeth to create custom-made veneers that fit precisely over them.
Temporary veneers
If you choose porcelain veneers, you may be given temporary veneers to protect yourteeth while your permanent ones are being crafted.
Bonding
Once your custom porcelain veneers are ready, your dentist will ensure they fit properly and then bond them to your teeth using dental cement. Adjustments will be made to achieve a perfect fit and appearance.
Tips for making your veneers last
What to get the maximum lifespan of your veneers? Here are some simple tips that will help them last, no matter which type you choose.
Increase the lifespan of your veneers
When properly cared for, you can get the maximum lifespan out of your veneers—up to 15 years for porcelain and up to 10 years for composite. Here’s how:
Practice good oral hygiene
Although veneers can’t get cavities, the teeth holding them still can. Regular brushing, flossing and dental check-ups can significantly extend the life of your veneers.
Stop grinding your teeth
If you have a habit of teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism) you might experience premature wear and tear on your veneers. Wearing a nightguard can protectyourveneers and natural teeth from damage.
Watch what you eat
Acidic and sugary foods can weaken your natural teeth that hold the veneers, potentially causing cavities around your veneers. Also avoid food and drinks that can stain your new smile.
Protect your teeth
Avoiding habits that can put excessive force on your veneers can extend their lifespan. These include using teeth as tools or biting on hard objects.
Put quality first
The craftsmanship and material used will determine how long your veneers last. At Aspen Dental, your team always crafts durable porcelain veneers and carefully bonds them to lengthen the life of your smile.
Find out how long veneers last with Aspen Dental
Speak with your Aspen Dental dentist to see if veneers are right for your smile. Learn about your options, veneer costs and any other important details of your care plan.
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FAQs
Dental veneers can last between 5-15 years depending on the materials you choose (porcelain or composite) and how you care for them. At Aspen Dental, your team can help you choose the right solution for your smile.
What is the average life of a veneer? ›
Veneers only cover the front of your tooth and are most often applied to the front eight teeth. The lifespan of a crown can vary. Depending on the material that's used, a veneer can last 5 to 10 years on average, according to the American College of Prosthodontists.
What happens after 10 years of veneers? ›
Veneers can dramatically improve your smile, but what happens after 10-15 years? Over time, they may require maintenance or replacement due to wear and tear. Stains, chipping, or changes in fit could occur. Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene help extend their lifespan.
Can you go back to normal teeth after veneers? ›
However, once you have veneers, it is not possible to go back to your natural teeth. This is because a small amount of enamel is removed from the teeth to make room for the veneers. While they can be removed, your teeth will look different without them and may be weaker and more sensitive.
What happens to teeth under veneers? ›
What is the impact on underlying teeth? Aside from this removal of part of the enamel, properly fitted and bonded veneers have no impact on the supporting teeth. The majority of clients won't experience any of the issues or horror stories they've heard – such as bad smells or rotting of the natural teeth.
What are the disadvantages of having veneers? ›
Cons
- High Cost. The price of veneers will vary based on your location. ...
- Increased Sensitivity. Some people experience an increase in tooth sensitivity after getting veneers. ...
- It's Irreversible. Your dentist will need to change the structure of your natural teeth to place them properly.
Without proper oral hygiene, food particles can build up around or even underneath your veneers. Oral bacteria will feed on these food particles, excrete acid, and cause your natural enamel to decay. This can result in a cavity, even in a tooth that has a veneer.
Does Taylor Swift have veneers on her teeth? ›
'It looks like she has had a set of veneers to cover up a few issues with her teeth. Her gum line was off, one side of it was lower than the other,' he began. He then said dental professionals had worked hard to give Swift her trademark pearly white smile.
Are veneers a lot of maintenance? ›
In the case of veneers, we must follow the same guidelines as with natural teeth. Tooth brushing 3 times a day, flossing, mouthwash and dental cleaning every 6 months.
How do you clean your teeth under veneers? ›
Dental veneers are held in place using special bonding cement. After they are cemented, you will continue brushing your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle fluoride toothpaste. Flossing is important for cleaning between your teeth and underneath the gum line where the toothbrush Can't reach.
Porcelain veneers last on average for about 10-15 years, after which you'll need to have them replaced. The reason veneers are considered a permanent procedure is because we need to file down . 5 mm from your natural tooth enamel in preparation for bonding the veneers.
What happens if you don't get veneers replaced? ›
The veneers will start separating from the tooth, making it easier for bacteria to get in. Over time, the tooth under the veneer will decay. The veneers may become loose and fall out, leaving your teeth exposed and unprotected. The veneers will stain and lose their brightness, giving you a dull, yellowish smile.
Do you take veneers out every night? ›
Unlike dentures, you won't have to take out your veneers and soak them overnight. Basically, once you put them on, they're there to stay. If you take good care of them, veneers can last between 10-20 years, which is awesome! If you're looking for a permanent solution to your dental problem, this is it.
Why do my teeth still hurt after veneers? ›
A primary cause is the increased sensitivity resulting from the removal of a small portion of natural tooth enamel during the veneer placement process. This process can render the nerves in the teeth more responsive, leading to heightened discomfort, especially when exposed to hot or cold stimuli.
Can you ever take veneers off? ›
Technically, veneers come in a range of options, some that are removable and replaceable, while others are permanent and irreversible. Veneers can be divided into three categories: removable, reversible, and permanent. With this range of options, you can choose styles of veneers that you can easily remove.
Do veneers mess up real teeth? ›
Veneers will not cause damage to your natural teeth when an experienced cosmetic dentist carries out your cosmetic dental treatment plan. The most important thing to know about the safety of veneers is only to trust an experienced cosmetic dentist, and this can be said for all cosmetic dentistry treatments.
Can veneers fall out easily? ›
Veneers don't tend to come off quickly, only with a lack of proper oral hygiene, trauma to the mouth, or if they're coming to the end of their lifecycle. Porcelain veneers ordinarily last for around 10 to 15 years if taken care of adequately, and composite veneers for around 5 years.
How often do veneers need to be replaced? ›
The average lifespan of a dental veneer is about 10 years. With proper care and treatment, that time frame can be lengthened, to up to 20 years. If one of the following occurs, you may have to replace your veneers early: Your dental veneers are chipped or cracked, or they are simply worn down.
